FRANKFORT, Ky. – Although the mystery seeds sent to households across the United States have been identified, people who receive or have received the seeds are still being asked not to plant them.

A spokesperson from the office of Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles said people are still being asked to destroy the seeds and follow the instructions available on a webpage developed as a guide for dealing with the seeds.

The USDA has identified 14 varieties of seeds in shipments as fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other common plants. The USDA, FBI and the United States Department of Homeland Security are still investigating whether the seeds pose any risk. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is also urging people who have planted the seeds to either burn the plant or double bag it and throw it in the trash. 

USDA officials have said the seeds appear to be part of a “brushing scam,” a marketing ploy where people receive unsolicited items from a seller then post false customer reviews to boost sales. Even with the likelihood of the seeds being part of a “brushing scam,” Quarles encourages people to remain cautious.

“Unsolicited seeds could be invasive and introduce unknown diseases to local plants, harm livestock, or even threaten our environment,” Quarles said. “If you have received such seeds, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture encourages you to bag it in an airtight bag and send it to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Plant Protection and Quarantine.” 

After it has been bagged and placed in a mailing package, all material should be sent to USDA-APHIS PPQ, P.O. Box 475, Hebron, KY 41048, along with an Unsolicited Foreign Seed Form. 

• Save the seeds and the package they came in, including the mailing label.
• Do not open the seed packets.
• Do not plant any of the seeds.
• If the packets are already open, place all materials (seeds and packaging) into a freezer bag and seal it.
• Place everything (seeds and any packaging, including the mailing label) in a mailing envelope. Please include your name, address, and phone number so a state or federal agriculture official can contact you for additional information.

In Kentucky, mail the package to:

USDA-APHIS PPQ

P.O. Box 475

Hebron, Kentucky 41048

• Remove the seeds or plants and at least 3 inches of the surrounding soil and place inside a plastic bag.
• Squeeze out the air and tightly seal the bag.
• Place the bag inside a second plastic bag, squeeze out the air, and seal it tightly.
• Put the bag in the municipal trash. Do not compost it.
• If you planted the seeds in reusable pots or containers, wash the planting container with soap and water to remove any remaining dirt. It’s essential to clean the container over a sink or other container to catch the run-off. Put the run-off down the drain or flush down a toilet.
• Soak the planting container in a 10 percent bleach and water solution for 30 minutes.