Where can I buy heirloom rose seeds (hybrids, not rosa species)? Are there any online stores that ship overseas?

Hi, everyone! I hope you all are having a great day!

I’m from Mexico (AW Köppen climate classification) and I’m interested in growing heirloom miniature roses (rosa chinensis angel wings; I’ve seen they are also called rosa multiflora nana perpetua / garden party in helpmefind.com) this autumn / winter because it’s when the cool to “cold” season starts (I live in the tropics so there’s virtually no winter / frosts here, which is ideal for growing roses), however, all of the stores I’ve found so far only ship to EU / North America / Australia, none of them are willing to ship to Mexico, so basically, my question is, could you tell me if you know any stores that have this heirloom rose and that ships to Mexico? Only store I’ve found is R&P seeds, an Australian seller, nonetheless, they ask me to pay for a $300 AUD phytosanitary certificate, making it unfeasible and unaffordable to buy them!

And aside from that question, could you tell me if angel wings rose is the only heirloom hybrid rose that grows true to type from seed and which also has five main botanical traits (high fertility, setting rose hips / seeds easily unlike other hybrid roses, juvenile bloom, remontancy, and growing true to type -or partially true to type- from seed)? According to my research, it seems it is, but I would like to know whether my conclusions on the matter are right or not… so if you know about another hybrid rose cultivar that is like angel wings, could you share where did you source your seeds (I think old blush rosa chinensis is a heirloom hybrid that grows true from seed, but I’m not completely sure and I haven’t found any online store that sells its seeds either)?

TYSM in advance for your replies and your help! :two_hearts:

Have you tried asking ChatGPT or Gemini? Sometimes they can provide surprisingly good answers. Other times, not. But it might be worth trying.

I’m from Mexico (AW Köppen climate classification) and I’m interested in growing heirloom miniature roses (rosa chinensis angel wings; I’ve seen they are also called rosa multiflora nana perpetua / garden party in helpmefind.com) this autumn / winter because it’s when the cool to “cold” season starts (I live in the tropics so there’s virtually no winter / frosts here, which is ideal for growing roses), however, all of the stores I’ve found so far only ship to EU / North America / Australia, none of them are willing to ship to Mexico, so basically, my question is, could you tell me if you know any stores that have this heirloom rose and that ships to Mexico? Only store I’ve found is R&P seeds, an Australian seller, nonetheless, they ask me to pay for a $300 AUD phytosanitary certificate, making it unfeasible and unaffordable to buy them!

I understand your challenge in finding heirloom miniature rose seeds, specifically Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ (sometimes referred to as Rosa multiflora nana perpetua or ‘Garden Party’), that can be shipped to Mexico without prohibitive costs like a $300 AUD phytosanitary certificate. The AW (tropical savanna) climate in your region, with its warm temperatures and lack of frost, is indeed suitable for growing these roses, especially during the cooler autumn/winter season. Below, I’ll address your query by exploring potential sources for these seeds that may ship to Mexico, considering the constraints you’ve mentioned.

Challenges with International Seed Shipping to Mexico

Mexico has strict phytosanitary regulations for importing seeds to prevent the introduction of pests or diseases, which often requires sellers to obtain costly phytosanitary certificates. This is likely why many stores you’ve found (e.g., Renee’s Garden, Buzzy Seeds, or Chiltern Seeds) limit shipping to regions like the EU, North America, or Australia, where regulations may be less restrictive or more standardized. Additionally, Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ is a niche heirloom variety, which narrows the pool of suppliers.

Potential Sources for ‘Angel Wings’ Rose Seeds

I’ve researched to identify stores or platforms that might offer Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ or similar miniature rose seeds and ship to Mexico, keeping affordability in mind. Here are some options and suggestions based on available information:

  1. Etsy Sellers

    • Why it might work: Etsy hosts independent sellers worldwide, some of whom offer Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ seeds and may be more flexible with international shipping. You mentioned purchasing from an Etsy seller (seeds4uGB), but they didn’t ship to Mexico. Other sellers might have different policies.

    • Suggestions:

      • Search for local or regional sellers: Look for sellers based in Mexico or Latin America to avoid international phytosanitary requirements. For example, search Etsy for “Rosa chinensis seeds Mexico” or “heirloom rose seeds Latin America.”

      • Contact sellers directly: Even if a listing doesn’t explicitly mention shipping to Mexico, message the seller to inquire. Some may be willing to arrange shipping with or without a phytosanitary certificate, depending on their experience with Mexican regulations.

      • Example listing: A listing like “Rosa Chinensis Angel Wings | Miniature Rose | 10_Seeds” on eBay () mentions Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ but doesn’t confirm shipping to Mexico. You could contact the seller to check.

    • Caution: Verify seller legitimacy, as you noted concerns about whether seeds from independent sellers are “legit.” Read reviews and ask for details about seed provenance to ensure they are true-to-type Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings.’
  2. Amazon

    • Why it might work: Amazon.com offers several listings for Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ seeds, such as “25 Mixed Colors Angel Wings Miniature Rose Bush Mix” (,) or “Outsidepride Rosa Chinensis Angel Wings Flower Seeds - 200 Pcs” (). Amazon’s global shipping options sometimes include Mexico, and their platform may simplify customs processes.
  3. Suggestions:

    • Check Amazon.com or Amazon.com.mx for these listings. For example, search for “Rosa Chinensis Angel Wings seeds” and filter for sellers that ship to Mexico.

    • Look at the seller’s shipping policies (e.g., Outsidepride, Lisa Morabito, or SmartUNIT LLC) to confirm if they include Mexico or can provide a phytosanitary certificate at a lower cost.

    • Be aware that some Amazon sellers may still require phytosanitary documentation, so contact them to clarify costs before ordering.

  4. Pros: Amazon’s return policies and buyer protection can provide some assurance. The seeds are described as suitable for USDA zones 4–10 (), which aligns with your frost-free AW climate.

    • Cons: Shipping costs and phytosanitary requirements may still be an issue, so confirm with the seller.
  5. Local or Regional Nurseries in Mexico

    • Why it might work: Sourcing seeds or plants from within Mexico avoids international shipping and phytosanitary issues entirely. While Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ is a specific heirloom variety, local nurseries or seed suppliers may carry it or similar miniature roses under different names (e.g., ‘Fairy Rose’ or ‘China Rose’).

    • Suggestions:

      • Viveros in Mexico: Search for nurseries in your region or major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Monterrey. For example, check websites like Vivero El Edén or Vivero La Flor de México, which sell a variety of roses and may have miniature varieties.

      • Mercado Libre: This Latin American e-commerce platform (www.mercadolibre.com.mx) is widely used in Mexico. Search for “semillas de rosa chinensis” or “rosas miniatura” to find local sellers. Some may offer Rosa chinensis or related varieties without the need for international shipping.

      • Mexican seed banks or gardening communities: Join local gardening groups on platforms like Reddit (e.g., r/Mexico or r/gardening) or Facebook groups like “Jardinería en México” to ask for recommendations on where to find heirloom rose seeds locally.

    • Pros: No import restrictions, lower costs, and faster delivery.

    • Cons: Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ may be harder to find locally, as it’s a specialized variety.

  6. Plantamus (Spain)

    • Details: Plantamus () offers Rosa multiflora nana perpetua ‘Garden Party’ seeds and explicitly mentions shipping to the Iberian Peninsula in 24–48 hours. However, they may ship to other countries, including Mexico, as they sell a variety of seeds online.

Suggestions:

  • Visit their website (www.plantamus.com) and contact their customer service to inquire about shipping to Mexico and associated costs (e.g., phytosanitary certificates).

  • Confirm whether their ‘Garden Party’ seeds match the Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ variety, as nomenclature can vary ( suggests it may be a dwarf hybrid involving Rosa multiflora).

    • Pros: Reputable seller with a focus on diverse seeds, potentially open to international shipping.

    • Cons: Shipping to Mexico may still require a phytosanitary certificate, increasing costs.

  1. Specialty Seed Companies with International Shipping

    • Why it might work: Some seed companies specializing in heirloom or rare plants may ship to Mexico or have distributors in Latin America. Examples include:

      • Seed Savers Exchange (www.seedsavers.org): A U.S.-based organization focused on heirloom seeds. They may carry Rosa chinensis or similar roses and could have more flexible shipping options.

      • Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (www.rareseeds.com): You mentioned purchasing from them, but their site doesn’t list Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ currently. Contact them to ask if they can source it or recommend a distributor in Mexico.

      • D&H Seed Harvest Co (): Offers Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ seeds but doesn’t specify shipping to Mexico. Reach out to confirm.

    • Suggestions: Email or call these companies to discuss shipping options and phytosanitary requirements. Some may have experience exporting to Mexico or know regional partners.
  2. Alternative: Sourcing Plants Instead of Seeds

    • Why it might work: If seeds are too difficult to import, consider purchasing live Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ plants from local nurseries or importing them from countries with fewer restrictions. For example, Heirloom Roses (,) or Antique Rose Emporium (,) sell miniature rose plants, though they primarily ship within the U.S. Contact them to inquire about international shipping or local distributors.
    • Pros: Plants may be easier to establish than seeds, especially in your frost-free climate.

    • Cons: Live plants are often more expensive to ship and may face similar phytosanitary restrictions.

Tips for Growing Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ in Mexico’s AW Climate

Since you’re planning to grow these roses in autumn/winter, here are some tips tailored to your tropical savanna climate, based on information from sources like Renee’s Garden () and Outsidepride (,):

  1. Seed Germination: Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ seeds require patience, as germination can be slow and irregular (,). Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before planting out (late winter/early autumn in your region). Sow in a quality seed-starting mix, cover lightly (1/4 inch), and keep at 60–70°F (16–27°C) with consistent moisture and strong light. Transplant seedlings to individual pots once large enough.

Climate Suitability: These roses are hardy in USDA zones 4–10 (,), making them well-suited to your frost-free AW climate. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil (loam, clay, or sandy types work well).Care: Plant in containers, borders, or beds with a spacing of 18–24 inches (). Water evenly to maintain moisture but avoid waterlogging. These roses are repeat bloomers, producing fragrant pink, rose, and white flowers from spring to fall (,).

  • Local Adaptation: Your cool season (likely October–February) is ideal for establishing roses, as temperatures are milder. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.

Recommendations for Finding Seeds

  1. Start with Mercado Libre: Search for “semillas de rosa miniatura” or “rosa chinensis” on www.mercadolibre.com.mx. This is your best bet for finding affordable, local sources without import issues.

  2. Check Amazon: Explore Amazon.com.mx or Amazon.com for Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ seeds, contacting sellers to confirm shipping feasibility and costs.

  3. Contact Etsy Sellers: Message sellers offering Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ seeds to inquire about shipping to Mexico. Look for sellers in Latin America to minimize restrictions.

  4. Reach Out to Plantamus: Email Plantamus (www.plantamus.com) to ask about shipping Rosa multiflora nana perpetua ‘Garden Party’ seeds to Mexico and associated costs.

  5. Join Gardening Communities: Ask for recommendations in Mexican gardening groups on Reddit, Facebook, or local forums to find trusted local suppliers.

Addressing the Phytosanitary Certificate Issue

The $300 AUD certificate from R&P Seeds is indeed a significant barrier. To avoid this:

  • Prioritize local or regional sellers (e.g., Mercado Libre or Mexican nurseries).

  • If importing, ask sellers if they can provide a certificate at a lower cost or if one is even required for small seed quantities (Mexican regulations may vary for personal use).

  • Check with Mexico’s SENASICA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria) for seed import requirements. They may allow small quantities of rose seeds without a certificate for personal use.

Final Note

I couldn’t find a definitive store that explicitly ships Rosa chinensis ‘Angel Wings’ or Rosa multiflora nana perpetua ‘Garden Party’ seeds to Mexico at a low cost, as many sellers (e.g., Renee’s Garden, Thompson & Morgan, Seedville USA) don’t mention Mexico in their shipping policies. However, Mercado Libre and local nurseries are your most promising options to avoid international shipping hurdles. If you’re open to alternatives, consider other miniature rose varieties available locally, as they may be easier to source.

If you provide more details (e.g., your city in Mexico or specific sellers you’ve tried), I can refine the search further. Would you like me to check any specific platforms or contact a seller on your behalf (where possible)? Alternatively, if you’d like tips on germinating these seeds once you find them, let me know!

This is Grok’s answer to entering your first alinea. Grok.com

Yes, I have! But they’ve left me with more questions than answers. According to them, rosa chinensis angel wings, which is a stable seed strain from the broader spectrum of old dwarf roses called rosa chinensis minima (angel wings, Léonard Lille’s plate bande roses, pumila, rouletii, pompon de Paris, etcetera), is the only heirloom rose available on the market; they claim no other rose cultivar can breed true from seed, not even rosa chinensis old blush (an ancestral rose from which all of the remontant modern roses are derived) which is a rosa chinensis minima but in a bigger / regular size, however, I think they aren’t right because old blush can set fruit and I’m pretty sure its seeds are true to type because old blush rose has been among us for millennia, and I doubt old blush roses that are grown nowadays are all clones (asexual propagation) of a rose that was bred millennia ago!

In regard to seed sourcing, they have only shown me links to shady Etsy / eBay stores and online stores that don’t ship to my location such as vreeken’s zaden, chiltern seeds, and seedman.com. :frowning:

TYSM for this, I’ve had similar results when asking Chatgtp, Google’s AI, Claude, Pilot AI, and Mistral AI, and so far my efforts reaching out several sellers have been futile: they either say they can’t ship to my location or they don’t reply to my emails (I don’t know if that’s because they don’t want to reply… or if my emails are labelled as spam by their email providers)! :sob:

I’ll keep surfing the web and see if I can find a seller! :sob:

Oh shit, i didn’t know what to say else. Just trying to help.

They’re nice those roses, as i get older i start to get people’s love for roses better. I drank it in a bubbly lemonade and ice cream, helps as well!

So these roses, are they genetically diverse? I don’t get clear information on them. I’d like to play around with them myself, but in Europe only saw them pre selected into pink and white, which is quite boring if i see some of the nice pictures of all those colors on the web.

For hibiscus which I grow there are dedicated Facebook groups where people post photos including of their breeding projects. With hibiscus you can sometimes connect with seed vendors as well as other growers interested in swaps.

If you haven’t already I would suggest seeing if there are any rose growing or even rose breeding communities on social media, particularly Facebook. These kinds of small vendors and swappers may not be as formal.

I’m also a part of some seed swapping communities on social media that are not specific to a type of plant. Sometimes I’ve had luck finding a lead to seeds that are hard to find that way, but that second approach been less successful for uncommon varieties in my experience.