Burpee taps America’s 250th anniversary to revive heirloom gardening traditions

Burpee, one of the oldest seed companies in the United States, is marking the country’s 250th anniversary by introducing seed collections inspired by the gardens of figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Martha Washington, offering modern gardeners access to historic varieties dating back to the Revolutionary era.

The Pennsylvania-based company, founded in 1876, continues to rely heavily on its mail-order roots, with roughly 35% of its estimated annual revenue of more than USD 110 million generated through catalog and online sales. Burpee distributes vegetable, herb and flower seeds through more than 24,000 retail locations across the U.S. and Canada, including Walmart, Home Depot and Tractor Supply. Chairman George Ball, who acquired the company in 1991, said gardening remains both a patriotic act and an enduring hobby for American households.

Over its 150-year history, Burpee has introduced several influential crop varieties, including iceberg lettuce in 1894, hybrid cucumbers and tomatoes, and the widely adopted Big Boy tomato introduced in 1949. The company continues to develop products aimed at home gardeners, with its 2026 catalog featuring personal-sized watermelons and snack peppers. According to Forbes estimates, Burpee generates EBITDA margins exceeding 10%, while Ball has indicated he intends to keep the company privately held despite its strong market position.

Burpee benefited significantly from the surge in gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic, when more than 18 million Americans took up the hobby, according to the National Gardening Association. Although demand has moderated since then, consumer spending on Burpee products remains approximately 120% above pre-pandemic levels. The company said it has continued to gain market share in the garden seed sector by focusing on varieties bred specifically for home gardens rather than for commercial production.

Source: Forbes