Products

What products do you offer in your seeds range?
We have a range of 39 popular varieties of vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit to start you on your seed sowing journey. These are available exclusively through tuigarden.co.nz

What is the difference between the Essentials Seeds & the Pro Grade seeds?
Tui Essentials Seeds are our everyday seeds, with the range containing favourites across vegetables, herbs and flowers. Our Pro-Grade range include added value seeds such as Hybrids/F1 variants which are a little more unique.

Can I buy Tui seeds in stores?
At this stage, Tui Seeds are exclusive to tuigarden.co.nz and cannot be purchased in stores.

What is a price code?
Price codes are used to differentiate seeds of different value. Seeds with the price code 'A' are our most affordable seeds, and contain lots of popular seed varieties such as Carrots and Lettuces. Price code 'B' are also popular variants but tend to have more seeds per pack. Price code 'C' are our Pro-Grade seeds and typically have additional features - such as being a Hybrid/F1 variant.

Where can I find the batch code? 
The batch code can be found on the back of the seed packets, printed in the white box which can be found in the bottom right corner.

What is the expiry date on Tui Seeds?
Tui Seeds have a minimum shelf life of 3 years, with some variants extending to 4 or 5 years depending on the variety. You can find the expiry date on the back of pack.

Are your seeds made in NZ? 
Our preference is to use NZ grown seeds where possible. Unfortunately, we are unable to source all seed varieties from within NZ due to availability from seed producers as well as climatic conditions limiting what seeds can be grown in NZ. Therefore we aim to source the best quality seeds from trusted suppliers to ensure success on your seed growing journey!

How many seeds are in each pack?
The number of seeds per pack varies, due to the different sizes and shapes of different seeds. You can view how many seeds are on pack by looking at the icon on the front of pack.

How do I store my seeds once opened?
Most Tui seeds come in a sealed foil packet, inside a paper sleeve. If you have seeds leftover we recommend folding over the top of the foil packet tightly, and popping it back into its sleeve to ensure you can keep track of which seed is which! These are best stored in a cool dry place until required again. For those seeds that are not in a foil packet (typically beans and peas) we recommend re-sealing these within their paper sleeve, and storing in a cool dry place until required again.

What is a hybrid seed?
A hybrid seed is one which has been produced by naturally cross pollinating two different varieties of the same plant, usually to maintain the best characteristics of each variety -such as disease resistance or better flavour profiles. These are commonly listed as 'F1' varieties.

Why don't you offer other varieties of seed?
Tui Seeds offer a base range of the most popular Seed variants, to provide Kiwi gardeners with the opportunity to grow their own, from seed!

Are your seeds treated with Fungicide? Which seeds include fungicide?
Most of the Tui Seeds range uses untreated seed and this is our preference. However MPI requires some seeds to be treated with fungicide for biosecurity purposes or to minimise the risk of fungal attack. All Tui Seeds that contain the fungicide treatment have this stated on pack, and on their product page on the website. The Tui Seeds that include the fungicide treatment include:

• Tui Bean Seeds - Dwarf French Top Crop
• Tui Bean Seeds - Dwarf Butter
• Tui Chilli Seeds - Cayenne Anmol
• Tui Coriander Seeds
• Tui Pea Seeds - Sugar Snap
• Tui Sunflower Seeds - Classic Giant
• Tui Sweetcorn Seeds - Golden Sweet

If you would like further information please contact onlinesales@tuiproducts.co.nz

Is it ok to eat the crops grown on from fungicide treated seeds?
The plants grown from treated seeds are perfectly safe to eat as the fungicide will stay on the outside of the seed and not interact with the plant.

Are your seeds genetically modified?
No - our seeds are not genetically modified.

ORDERING ONLINE

Can I buy other Tui products online?
Tui Seeds are the only products that we are currently selling online. We'd recommend you visit your local gardening retailer to buy your other favourite Tui products.

What is the difference between the 'Add to Cart' and 'Buy Now' buttons on your product pages?
If a product has 'Add to Cart' next to it, that means it is available to purchase direct from Tui through the website. At this stage this button will only be available for the Tui Seeds range. The 'Buy Now' button links to Mitre 10 New Zealand for purchase through the Mitre 10 website.

Can I pay by internet banking?
No, only debit or credit card payment is available.

Is tuigarden.co.nz a secure website?
Yes, tuigarden.co.nz is a secure site and holds a current Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate. This certificate indicates that any data shared between your browser and the website server is encrypted for security and privacy purposes. You can check this by looking at the website URL - it should begin with 'https' rather than 'http' which indicates the use of the SSL.

How do I know my credit details are secure when shopping online?
The Tui store users Shopify to manage our online transactions. All stores powered by Shopify abide by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) by default, which ensures the privacy and safety of the data you share. All customer information is encrypted and securely stored on Shopify's PCI compliant servers.

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards.
We don't accept AMEX or Diners cards.

Where are the seeds shipped from?
All Tui Seeds are shipped locally from our office here in Mt Maunganui, Bay of Plenty.

Can I cancel my order? Do you allow refunds for change of mind?
Orders cannot be cancelled, or refunded due to change of mind as per our terms and conditions. Please check your order carefully prior to purchase. If you have any other returns queries please contact us at onlinesales@tuigarden.co.nz for support.

What happens if I don’t receive my order confirmation?
An order confirmation email is sent with each order processed. If you have completed an order and not received an order confirmation please check your Junk mail or Filtered Inbox. If you are still unable to locate your order confirmation please contact us onlinesales@tuigarden.co.nz for support.

What is PCI?
The Payment Card Industry has a security standard for businesses who accept credit cards that covers how to handle the data. It's called the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and it sets the minimum standard for website payment security.

Are you PCI Compliant?
www.tuigarden.co.nz is powered by Shopify. All customer information is encrypted and securely stored on Shopify's PCI compliant servers. Shopify is certified Level 1 PCI DSS compliant.

SHIPPING & DELIVERY

How much does shipping cost?
We can ship Tui Seeds nationwide to both urban and rural locations.

• Urban $5.50 (allow 3-5 Business days)
• Rural $8.75 (allow 7-10 Business days)
• Waiheke Island $10.00 (allow 7-10 Business days)

How/when can I track my order?
Once your order has been packed and scanned by our delivery partner, you will receive an email including a link to track your order.

Will I get a tracking number?
Yes, once your order has been packed and scanned by our delivery partner, you will receive an email including a link to track your order.

How soon will my order be dispatched?
We aim to dispatch all orders received on the next working day. If your order is placed from Friday-Sunday it will be dispatched the following week.

How long will my delivery take?
All our seed orders will be dispatched from our site in Mt Maunganui (during business hours), and delivered by Go Sweet Spot (managed by Post Haste). We aim to dispatch your order on the next working day, from which point it will be passed on to our delivery provider. Delivery timings will depend on your location and also the time of year. Please visit www.posthaste.co.nz for their up to date delivery timings.

My order is incorrect or damaged
If you have an issue with your order, or it arrived damaged please contact us onlinesales@tuigarden.co.nz for support.

Can you deliver to PO boxes?
No, we can only ship to physical addresses.

Can you deliver to a rural address?
Yes, when completing your order you will be asked to enter your delivery address. If you live somewhere that requires rural delivery, this will be captured automatically based on your address and shipping costs adjusted accordingly.

Rural addresses are defined according to Post Haste address data.

Do you send internationally?
No. Purchase and shipping of our seeds is only available within New Zealand.

Can I come and collect from your site? (I live locally).
Unfortunately we are unable to offer local pick-up.

SOWING GUIDANCE

How do I sow seeds?
This will depend on the variety of seed. Some seeds can be planted into tray's or direct into the soil, whilst others are best to sow direct only. Different seeds need to be sown at different depths. Please refer to your seed packet for the appropriate sowing instructions for that specific seed variant. We will always recommend planting into a good quality planting mix such as Tui Seed Raising Mix, which contains nutrients to support root development and healthy seedling growth.

Why are my seeds not germinating?
There are a number of factors that influence successful seed germination. We grow out all of our seed batches to ensure that the seeds successfully germinate under ideal conditions however given the variables we are unable to provide a seed germination guarantee. If you are concerned that your seeds are not germinating as expected and the seed has been sown as per the pack instructions, we will happily replace these for you so you can have another go at growing your own from seed.

How long do my seeds take to germinate?
Different seed varieties have different germination timings. Each seed packet has an estimated germination timing included. This can vary if the seeds are planted out of season, or in conditions which are not ideal for that variety. We recommend you follow the planting timings included on your chosen seed packet, for the region in which you live.

What planting mix should I start my seeds in?
To raise seeds successfully in garden beds or seed raising trays it is important to have a light free draining planting mix, like Tui Seed Raising Mix. This mix provides ideal conditions for germinating seeds and seedling establishment. Gypsum ensures strong, healthy root growth and seaweed improves root development and overall plant health. It can be used when planting seeds straight into the garden, in containers and seed raising trays.

Where should I leave my seeds once planted?
If starting you seeds in trays, you have the option to raise these either indoors or outdoors. This will depend on the climatic conditions in your area and what is required for the specific seed variety. Typically seeds need a moist, warm environment to germinate, and lots of light once the seedling appears. For guidance around how to best start your seed growing journey, check out our Growing from Seed Guide.

Do I need to cover my seeds when germinating
In most instances, we do recommend covering your seeds with glass or a light plastic bag to retain moisture and warmth for germination, unless directed not to in the planting instructions. A propagator with a lid is a good option, or a sheet of plastic or glass however remove this once the seed has germinated as if left on it can 'cook' the seedling. It is important that your seeds do not dry out during germination.

Should I soak my seeds before planting
We recommend you follow seed pack recommendations, make sure the seed raising mix is damp before planting, especially sweetcorn, peas, and beans.

How many seeds should I plant in each hole?
Each seed type has different planting requirements. For the best guidance, refer to the planting directions on the back of your seed packet. This can also be viewed on the product page.

How deep should I plant my seeds?
Each seed type has different planting requirements. For the best guidance, refer to the planting directions on the back of your seed packet. This can also be viewed on the product page.

Do I need to water my seeds?
Moisture is very important for seed germination. We recommend watering lightly and regularly - misting with a spray bottle is a good option. A good test is a light touch on the soil with your finger. If it comes away feeling dry, a light watering is required. If it feels moist then check again the next day. If you have covered your seeds to help germination, ensure there is ventilation.

How often should I water my seeds?
Moisture is very important for seed germination. We recommend watering lightly and regularly - misting with a spray bottle is a good option. A good test is a light touch on the soil with your finger. If it comes away feeling dry, a light watering is required. If it feels moist then check again the next day. If you have covered your seeds to help germination, ensure there is ventilation.

Do I need to transplant my seeds?
This will depend on the seed type. Some seeds are best sown direct into the soil to prevent bolting. If this is the case it will be specified in the planting instructions. If your seeds are suitable to grow in trays and this is how you have germinated them then they'll need to be transplanted into their final growing location - whether this is a garden bed or a pot or container. Most seedlings are ready to transplant once they have two sets of true leaves. For further details, refer to the planting instructions on the back of pack or our Growing from Seed Guide.

When should I harden off my seeds before transplanting?
If you have been raising your seeds inside, it is recommended to 'harden off' your seeds before transplanting to help reduce transplant shock. Hardening off involves putting them outside at intervals during the day, for around 5 days prior to transplanting. This helps limit transplant shock when you plant them out.

Can I protect my seedlings if there is a frost?
For frost tender seedlings such as tomatoes, capsicum, chilli, and watermelon it is recommended that they are planted after the last expected frost. If a frost is expected, cover frost tender seedlings with sheets of newspaper or frost cloth. If you have started your seeds in trays, you can bring them inside overnight.

COMMUNITY

Do you support schools and community groups with seeds?
Tui supports initiatives and events with a primarily garden focus. This includes our support of the Garden to Table programme in schools. As our resources are focussed toward garden initiatives, although we would love to support all events we are generally unable to help with spot prizes and raffle contributions for non garden events. Please fill out our sponsorship form for consideration.