Strange seed packages appearing across Texas

By Anthony Collins

LPR Editor                           

   Texas officials are asking people to keep an eye out for strange seed packages showing up in mailboxes across the state. These unsolicited deliveries might not look like a big deal, but they could cause real problems for farms and the environment.

   Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says reports of mystery seeds have been popping up more and more. Since February 2025, the Texas Department of Agriculture has collected more than 1,100 packages of unsolicited seeds from 109 different locations statewide. Many of the packages were shipped from overseas and may seem harmless, but officials warn they could seriously threaten crops and local ecosystems.

   “At first glance, this might not seem like a big issue, but it absolutely is,” Miller said. “Seeds like these could introduce invasive species into Texas, which puts families, farmers, and our agriculture industry at risk. That’s why it’s so important for people to report these packages so they can be handled and disposed of safely.”

   The issue first came to light last February after a resident in Clute received an unmarked package from China containing unknown seeds and a liquid substance. After that, the department quickly warned Texans not to touch or plant seeds from unknown sources.

   This isn’t just a Texas problem. Similar reports have come in from states like Ohio, New Mexico, and Alabama. In Texas, the most recent collection of mystery seed packages happened on December 29, 2025.

   Officials say the situation is similar to incidents that started back in 2020, when people across the country received mystery seeds tied to so-called “brushing scams.” Those scams involve sellers sending random items to boost fake online reviews. But Miller says the concern now goes beyond scams and into possible biosecurity risks.

   The Texas Department of Agriculture is working with federal agencies to collect, test, and safely destroy the packages. Officials say stopping these shipments is crucial to protecting farms, ranches, home gardens, and natural habitats.

   “Whether this is part of a scam or something more serious, we’re not taking any chances,” Miller said. “Unsolicited seeds pose a risk to agriculture, the environment, and public safety, and Texas is going to protect its people and food supply.”

   If you receive a suspicious seed package, officials say not to open it. Leave it sealed in its original packaging and report it right away to the Texas Department of Agriculture by calling 1-800-TELL-TDA and the department will make arrangements to pick them up.