No, you shouldn’t plant a packet of unidentified seeds that show up in the mail. Yes, it’s a real concern

Mysterious, unsolicited packages are showing up in people's mailboxes in Colorado and several other states.   

They appear to be sent from another country, often China. Labels on the packages suggest there’s a small piece of merchandise inside, like jewelry or some kind of wire connector.   

Instead, recipients find packets of seeds inside – with no indication of what the seeds are, who sent them, or why. They may look similar to sunflower or pumpkin seeds. But state and federal agriculture officials recently warned people not to plant these mystery items.  

Laura Pottorff is the Director of Colorado Seed Programs with Colorado State University. She joined Erin O’Toole to discuss the mystery of these odd packages, and what to do in case one arrives in your mailbox. 

Laura mentioned that - if that does happen - you should mail the unopened packet to the USDA office in Colorado at this address:  

USDA APHIS PPQ 
3950 North Lewiston Street, Suite 104 
Aurora, CO 80011-1561 

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
 
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

What is In The NOCO?

KUNC's In The NOCO is a daily look at the stories, news, people and issues important to you. It's a window to the communities along the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The show explores the big stories of the day, bringing context and insight to issues that matter. And because life in Northern Colorado is a balance of work and play, we explore the lighter side of news, highlighting what makes this state such an incredible place to live.