Our Company

More than45Years ofEXCELLENCE

OUR FACILITIES

Salinas,
California

Woodland, California

Pacific
Northwest

Fort Myers,
Florida

Yuma,
Arizona

Our Story

Sakata Seed America was established in 1977 as a research, production and sales division of Sakata Seed Corporation. Headquartered in Woodland, California, we have facilities across the country. Our goal is to quickly and efficiently meet the industry's needs for quality seed, strong performance and excellent yields, as well as retail and consumer demand for delicious fruit and vegetables. Today, we continue to challenge ourselves to be the industry leader for innovation, quality, reliability and service.

flowers

Our Story

Today, the Sakata name has become one of the major international symbols of comprehensive customer support and products that meet diversified customer needs. Our broccoli, lisianthus, and sunflowers, for example, maintain an overwhelming share of the global market and attest to our position as a formidable leader in the seed industry.

By making full use of the climate and environmental conditions in various regions around the world, we are able to develop new varieties ideally suited to a wide range of environments. These facilities feature advanced equipment for top-level research and development, including biotechnology.

flowers

Our Story

Sakata Seed Corporation, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan became the first Japanese company to export seed and has since been actively involved in the development of new and improved plant varieties around the world. Sakata’s overseas activities have earned it a reputation for quality in over 170 countries.

Sakata office with flowers

COMPANY MILESTONES

A Note from our President and CEO, Dave Armstrong

Sakata’s journey of more than a century is rooted in innovation and inspired by the growers who transform our seeds into vegetables that nourish the body and flowers that nourish the soul. Our mission has always been to build a growing, prosperous business that contributes sustainably to life and culture.

At the heart of our work is Sakata’s unique culture, defined by respect for people, collaboration across global borders, and long-term stewardship of the natural world. This shared culture shapes how we work, innovate, and support our customers and communities around the world — and how we deliver on our mission every day.

In 2027, Sakata Seed America will proudly celebrate 50 years of growth. This milestone honors the partners, and employees whose trust, dedication, and shared values continue to drive our success. As we look ahead, our commitment remains clear: to create value, advance sustainability, and enrich lives and culture worldwide.

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1913

The company’s founder, Takeo Sakata, founded Sakata Noen.

1930

The Chigasaki Breeding station in Japan was established. Research and development over a wide range of varieties began.

1966

World’s first commercial hybrid pansy Majestic Giants, bred by Sakata, receives an All-America Selections award.

1972

The Sakata broccoli presence was enhanced with the introduction of hybrid broccoli Green Duke, opening the door for other market-leading varieties.

1972

Co-operation began with Northrup King, ALF Christianson Seed Company (ACS) and other companies for U.S. sales and global production needs.

1977

Sakata Seed America, Inc. was established. The first office was located in downtown San Francisco, California, and was staffed by a small team of dedicated employees.

1979

Hideo Takahashi arrived in San Francisco at Sakata Seed America. There was only one person in the small office downtown founded on the principle of “local” production.

1985

Grand opening of the first Research Station in the U.S. in Salinas, California.

1988

Grand opening of Sakata Seed America Headquarters in Morgan Hill, California.

1990

Sakata Seed Corporation listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section. Grand opening of Production/Research Station in Yuma, Arizona.

1993

Sakata Seed de Mexico (SMX) was established.

1994

Grand opening of Research Station in Ft. Myers, Florida.

2000

Sakata Seed de Guatemala (SGU) was established.

2001

ALF Christianson Seed Company (established in 1926) became a subsidiary of Sakata.

2005

Milestone: Impatiens SunPatiens®

2006

Ground-breaking new series SunPatiens® wins The Home Depot Most Innovative New Product award.

2010

Established Sakata America Holding Company, Inc.

2012

Milestone: Infinite Gold LSL Melon.

2014

Sakata launches new stable of hybrid triploid watermelon genetics, including: Charismatic, Kingman, Secretariat and Unbridled.

2015

Introduced broccoli hybrids, Diamante and Millennium. SunPatiens® Spreading Shell Pink is the inaugural vegetative plant from cuttings to receive the AAS Flower Award.

2017

Sakata Seed America Celebrated 40 years of business in North America! Profusion Red Zinnia announced AAS Winner.

2018

Grand Opening of Woodland Innovation Center in Woodland California.

2019

SDG Project: Corporate Sustainability Plan

2021

Sakata introduces Profusion Red Yellow Bicolor to its famed Profusion Zinnia line. Red Yellow Bicolor is awarded an AAS Gold Medal; the first gold medal awarded in 17 years.

2022

Sakata purchases of 14 hectares in Culiacan, Mexico. Celebrates opening of state-of-the-art ‘Culiacan Innovation Center.’ Viking® Explorer Rose on Green awarded AAS Gold Medal.

2023

Sakata Seed Corporation, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, celebrates its 110th Anniversary milestone.