Best seed banks in Europe (2026)

Europe is home to some of the oldest and best-known seed banks in the world, from Amsterdam breeders founded in the 1980s to large online shops stocking thousands of strains. But the differences matter: germination guarantees, delivery times and customer service vary a lot. We compared 13 seed banks and seed shops.

How we ranked them

Scores are research-based: transparency (company details, genetics information, germination guarantee and published policies, 30%), reputation (customer reviews and awards, 30%), delivery (EU coverage, stealth shipping, delivery times, 20%) and price (20%). We have not grown seeds from every bank yet, so germination and plant quality are not scored from our own tests. Full method on How we score.

A note on reviews: several seed banks no longer have a public Trustpilot profile. For those we used other review platforms such as Kiyoh, reviews.io and eKomi.

Our top picks

Royal Queen Seeds (9.1) has the largest review base we found, over 34,000 reviews averaging 4.6, claims more than 40 awarded strains and offers free standard shipping to about 27 countries. Germination claims require photos, and compensation may be a voucher rather than a refund.

Fast Buds (9.1) is an autoflower specialist with a 4.6 Trustpilot score from more than 8,000 reviews, a germination guarantee with a replacement form and the Best Autoflower Breeder title at the 2026 Autoflower World Cup. Single seeds cost around 13 euros.

Herbies (8.9) is a seed shop stocking many breeders plus its own line, with one of the clearest germination guarantees (one year on its own seeds, 90 days on others), free seeds with every order and stealth packaging.

Also worth a look

• Dutch Passion (8.9): an Amsterdam breeder since 1987, credited with early feminised seeds, shipping to about 24 European countries. No formal germination guarantee.
• Seedsman (8.8) and Zamnesia (8.8): huge catalogues from many breeders and strong review scores, but neither offers a general germination guarantee.
• Sweet Seeds (8.7): a Spanish breeder known for fast-flowering strains, with bonus seeds in larger packs.

How to choose a seed bank

1. Breeder or reseller. Breeders sell their own genetics. Resellers stock many breeders, which gives more choice but less control over quality.
2. Germination guarantee. Read the actual terms: what proof is needed, and do you get new seeds, a voucher or nothing?
3. Shipping to your country. Not every bank ships everywhere. Green House Seeds, for example, does not sell seeds to the Netherlands through its online shop.
4. Stealth packaging and tracking. Useful if you want discreet delivery.
5. The law where you live. Buying seeds and growing them are two different legal questions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best seed bank in Europe?

On our research-based scores, Royal Queen Seeds comes first, with over 34,000 customer reviews averaging 4.6 and free shipping to about 27 countries. Fast Buds and Herbies follow closely.

Do seed banks guarantee germination?

Some do, some do not. Fast Buds and Herbies offer a germination guarantee, while Seedsman and Original Sensible Seeds say they do not replace seeds that fail to germinate. Read the terms before you order.

Is it legal to buy cannabis seeds in Europe?

Selling cannabis seeds is allowed in many European countries, often as collectibles, but growing them is restricted or illegal in many places. The rules differ from country to country. Check the law where you live. This article is not legal advice.