Oat Seeds for Planting – Avena sativa Milky Oats for Herbal Wellness, Cover Crops & Soil-Building Gardens

Heirloom - Non-GMO - Reliable Germination

$2.99 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size: 1 Packet

What Makes Survival Garden Seeds Different - non-GMO heirloom seeds

Grow your own Avena sativa with these high-quality Oat Seeds from Survival Garden Seeds. Also known as Milky Oats, this heirloom variety is valued for its soothing, restorative qualities and its ability to thrive in a wide range of garden conditions. Both the green oat tops and the straw can be harvested for teas, tinctures, and infusions, making this a reliable herb for home apothecaries and wellness gardens.

Productive, Versatile, and Regenerative

Milky Oats serve as both a useful herbal crop and a practical cover crop for regenerative gardening. When sown thickly, the plants create a lush green stand that enriches the soil, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter as it breaks down. Their graceful growth also adds height and texture to borders, chicken gardens, and homestead plots, while the straw can be used for mulch, crafts, or small-animal bedding.

Key characteristics include:

  • Heirloom Avena sativa for herbal teas, infusions, and tinctures
  • Cool-season annual that germinates quickly and adapts easily
  • Effective cover crop for soil improvement and weed suppression
  • Tall, attractive plants useful for borders and homestead projects
  • Straw suitable for mulch, crafts, or animal bedding

Why Customers Love Oat Seeds

  • Produces high-quality herbal material for teas and tinctures
  • Functions as an excellent soil-building cover crop
  • Reliable cool-weather growth with low maintenance needs
  • Suitable for new gardeners and experienced herbalists alike
  • Can double as cat grass for pets
  • Non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds packed in the USA

How to Grow

  • Direct sow oats outdoors in early spring or late summer.
  • Plant in well-drained soil and keep moist for consistent germination.
  • Sow thickly for cover crop use or more sparsely for herbal harvesting.
  • Oats thrive in cool weather and require minimal care once established.
  • Harvest green oat tops in the “milky” stage for herbal use.
  • Allow remaining plants to mature for straw or soil-building benefits.

Harvest & Use

Pick fresh oat tops during the brief milky stage for the most potent herbal material, or dry them for later use in teas and infusions. Mature oatstraw provides additional material for crafts, bedding, mulch, or regenerative gardening projects.

NET WT. 14 G

Heirloom Herb Seeds

All of our seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO, heirloom varieties with tested germination rates

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Avena sativa
  • Seasonality
    Annual
  • Planting Zones
    2-10
  • Light
    Full Sun
  • Soil Temp for Germination
    60-65 Degrees F
  • Germination Time
    7-14
  • Planting Depth
    1/2-1 Inch
  • Plant Size
    5 Feet Tall, 6 Inch Spread
  • Days to Bloom or Harvest
    60-75 Days for milky tops; 90-120 Days for oats
  • Growing Instructions
    Direct sow in spring or late summer. Broadcast seeds and lightly rake into well-draining soil. Harvest milky tops when they are green and release white sap before the seed hardens. Oat straw can be harvested afterward.
  • Seed Saving Instructions
    Harvest dried seed heads by cutting or pulling them from the plant. Allow seeds to dry another 2-3 days and store in a dry container. Label and save for up to 4 years.
  • Seed Count (approximate)
    428 to 500

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Why Choose Survival Garden Seeds

At Survival Garden Seeds, we believe in preparing today for tomorrow’s peace of mind. That’s why we offer only heirloom, non-GMO, and untreated seeds you can trust to nourish your family and support a sustainable lifestyle. As a family-owned American company, we’re committed to providing seeds that grow strong and true—helping you cultivate health, resilience, and beauty in your garden.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques.

You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our farmer seeds. All of our garden seeds for sale are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

In what zones can I grow your seeds?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these gardening seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.