Do not plant "free" seeds from China

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is warning residents not to open or plant mysterious packages of unordered seeds from China. According to the department, several packages of seeds have been received in the state, saying the packages contain jewelry.

“We have received reports of people receiving seeds in the mail from China that they did not order,” the department said in a press release. “The seeds are sent in packages usually stating that the contents are jewelry. Unsolicited seeds could be invasive, introduce diseases to local plants, or be harmful to livestock.”

If residents receive unsolicited seeds, the department advises that recipients do not plant them and if they are in sealed packaging (as in the photo) don’t open the sealed package.

Sending unsolicited seeds through the mail is known as agricultural smuggling. Recipients are urged to report packages to the U.S. Department of Agriculture by calling 800-877-3835 and keep the seeds and packaging until USDA gives additional instructions.