Modern Mysteries

Texas authorities warn of new spike in 'mystery seed' deliveries

By T.K. Randall
January 20, 2026 ·  12 comments

Image: AI-generated (Midjourney) It's a phenomenon that has been ongoing for years - residents across the state of Texas have been receiving deliveries of packets containing unidentified seeds from an unknown sender.

We've reported on this before - even as far back as 2020 when local distributers in the state had started to report receipt of mysterious seed packets.

According to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, there has been another sharp spike in such deliveries this month as well.

"These packages are pouring in faster and further than ever before," he said."One invasive species, pest, or pathogen could devastate Texas farms, ranches, natural resources, and food supply."

Anyone in Texas who receives such a delivery has been asked not to open the seeds, but to instead report the matter to the agriculture department.

Previous investigations have revealed that at least some of the packets may have come from China, but it is also possible that the sender address has been fabricated.

Some of the seeds themselves have been identified as water lilies - an aggressive plant that can quickly cover the surface of entire lakes.

As things stand, it is unclear why the state of Texas has been disproportionately targeted, who is sending the seeds and what they are hoping to gain by doing so.


Source: The Hill | Comments (12)

Tags: Seeds