> At a Glance
> – 1,101 unsolicited seed packages from China have reached Texans since February 2025
> – The most recent confirmed delivery was December 29, 2025
> – Officials warn the seeds could introduce invasive species that threaten crops and ecosystems
> – Why it matters: Planting or trashing the seeds could unleash pests or weeds that damage local agriculture and natural habitats
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is again sounding the alarm over mysterious seed parcels arriving from China. The unsolicited deliveries-first reported in 2020-continue to surface statewide, and authorities say the stakes for Texas farms and backyards remain high.
What Texans Are Receiving
Since February 2025, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has logged 1,101 seed packets mailed to more than 100 Texas towns. The latest confirmed case arrived on December 29, 2025.
Lab work by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service identified the contents as sacred lotus seeds packed in a nutrient solution. Sacred lotus, native to Asia, is classified as an invasive aquatic plant when it escapes controlled settings.
Why Officials Say “Don’t Plant, Don’t Trash”
Authorities fear the seeds could sprout pests or weeds that:
- Ravage commodity crops
- Overrun gardens and waterways
- Disrupt native ecosystems
- Tangle up the food supply chain
Miller stressed the broader risk:
> “At a glance, this might seem like a small problem, but this is serious business. The possible introduction of an invasive species to the state via these seeds poses real risks to Texas families and the agriculture industry.”
How to Handle a Suspicious Package
Recipients should:
- Keep the parcel sealed
- Avoid opening, planting, or tossing it in household trash
- Call 1-800-TELL-TDA for disposal instructions
The TDA and USDA are steam-sterilizing collected seeds to prevent germination.
A Coast-to-Coast Pattern
Texas isn’t alone. Similar mailings have surfaced in:
- Ohio
- New Mexico
- Alabama
Officials note the deliveries echo earlier brushing scams, where vendors ship low-value items to generate fake e-commerce reviews. Still, they aren’t ruling out graver biosecurity threats.
> “Whether it’s part of an ongoing scam or something more sinister, we are determined to protect Texans,” Miller said. “Unsolicited seeds coming into our country are a risk to American agriculture, our environment, and public safety.”
Key Takeaways
- Report any unsolicited foreign seed packet to the TDA immediately
- Sacred lotus is federally legal but can overrun waterways if released
- 1,101 packages have been intercepted in Texas in under a year
- National coordination with USDA aims to stop potential invasive outbreaks
Texans who spot unexpected seed mail can help shield local farms and wildlands by following the state’s simple mantra: seal it, report it, and let the pros handle disposal.
