Texas agriculture officials warn of unsolicited mystery seeds in mail

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is warning Texans to stay alert as mysterious seed packages are arriving in mailboxes across the state. Miller has warned Texans not to plant these seeds. (Photo By Carlos Castro/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Europa Press News/Europa Press via Getty Images

Texans getting any unsolicited packages containing seeds should avoid doing any gardening with them.

According to Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, since February 2025, the agriculture department has collected seed deliveries at 109 locations across the state, totaling 1,101 packs of unsolicited seeds. While these seeds are small in appearance, they pack a big threat to Texas and the nation’s agricultural biosecurity, Miller said in a Monday statement.

"The possible introduction of an invasive species to the state via these seeds poses real risks to Texas families and the agriculture industry," Miller said. "We need everyone to report these packages when they arrive so the contents may be gathered and disposed of properly."

Per the TDA press release, the issue came to light in early February when a Clute resident received an unsolicited package from China containing unidentified seeds and an unknown liquid. TDA quickly warned Texans to be extremely cautious about packages of unknown origin.

Past incidents may indicate these packages may be part of a "brushing scam," in which online sellers mail orders to random addresses to then post fake product reviews.

Here's what to know about these seeds and the potential scam.

What do these mystery seed packages look like?

Following the TDA report, it was determined that the resurgence of mystery seeds was not limited to Texas.

Comparable cases emerged across the country in 2025, with reports from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Texas conducted its most recent unsolicited seed package collection on Dec. 29, 2025.

Commissioner Miller Warns Texas of China mystery seed package deliveries coming to thier mailbox.
Texas Department of Agriculture

What are brushing scams?

According to the United States Postal Inspection Service, brushing scams can seem harmless, considering you're getting something free in the mail, but Miller warned the packages should still be taken seriously.

In a brushing scam, individuals receive packages containing items they did not order or request. Although the parcels may be addressed to the recipient, they often lack a return address or list a retailer as the sender. The items typically come from international third-party sellers who obtain addresses online. The goal is to make it appear that the recipient is a legitimate customer who left a positive online review — in effect, posting a fake review in the recipient’s name. These reviews artificially inflate product ratings and sales figures, which sellers hope will lead to increased legitimate sales. Because the items used — like seeds — are inexpensive and cheap to ship, scammers view the practice as cost-effective.

According to the TDA, incidents like these were observed in 2020 when unsolicited foreign seed shipments were being sent to American homes.

"Whether it’s part of an ongoing scam or something more sinister, we are determined to protect Texans," said Miller. "Unsolicited seeds coming into our country are a risk to American agriculture, our environment and public safety. Texas isn’t going to take chances when it comes to protecting our people and our food supply."

What to do if you received seeds in the mail

The Texas Department of Agriculture is collaborating with federal partners to collect, test and safely dispose of unsolicited seed packages, a process officials say is vital to protecting Texas farms, ranches, gardens and natural ecosystems from invasive species and agricultural pests.

If you receive an unsolicited package, do not open its contents. TDA is asking Texans to keep them sealed in their original packaging and contact the Texas Department of Agriculture immediately at 1-(800) TELL-TDA for guidance and safe collection.

Jan 6, 2026