Best Ways to Get Seeds in Ironman Mode OSRS – Ultimate Guide for 2025
Playing Ironman mode in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) adds a thrilling layer of self-sufficiency to the game, but it also makes gathering resources like seeds a unique challenge. Seeds are essential for training Farming and Herblore, two critical skills for any Ironman. Unlike regular accounts, you can’t rely on the Grand Exchange, so knowing the best ways to get seeds is key to progressing efficiently. In this guide, we’ll explore the top methods to stockpile seeds in Ironman mode, updated for 2025, with practical tips to optimize your grind. Whether you’re after herb seeds, tree seeds, or allotments, we’ve got you covered.
Farming contracts at the Farming Guild are hands-down one of the most efficient and rewarding ways to gather seeds as an Ironman. Available from Guildmaster Jane, these contracts task you with growing specific crops in exchange for seed packs. The higher your Farming level, the better the rewards, making this method scale beautifully as you progress.
How Farming Contracts Work
Head to the Farming Guild (requires 45 Farming to enter) and speak to Guildmaster Jane. She’ll assign you a contract based on your Farming level: Easy (45+), Medium (65+), or Hard (85+). Completing these contracts rewards you with seed packs containing a mix of seeds, from low-level allotments to high-value herb and tree seeds.
Optimizing Your Contract Runs
- Preplant Crops: Plant common contract crops like watermelons, snape grass, or oak trees in advance to complete contracts faster.
- Use Ultracompost: Boost yields and reduce disease risk with ultracompost, craftable from supercompost and volcanic ash.
- Focus on Higher Tiers: At 65+ Farming, medium contracts unlock better seed packs; hard contracts at 85+ are even more lucrative.
Pro Tip: Pair contracts with regular herb runs for a steady supply of both seeds and herbs, maximizing your Farming XP and resources.
Pickpocketing Master Farmers: Early-Game Seed Goldmine
For early-game Ironmen or those needing a quick seed stash, pickpocketing Master Farmers is a fantastic option. With a low entry requirement of 38 Thieving, this method offers a wide variety of seeds, including herbs, allotments, and flowers.
Where to Find Master Farmers
Master Farmers are scattered across Gielinor. Key locations include:
- Draynor Village (near the market)
- Farming Guild (requires 45 Farming)
- Hosidius (near the vinery)
- North of East Ardougne
Maximizing Seed Drops
- Wear Rogue’s Outfit: Obtained from the Rogues’ Den minigame, this doubles your seed loot at 50 Thieving.
- Boost Thieving: At 85+ Thieving, you’ll see increased drops of high-value seeds like ranarr, snapdragon, and torstol.
- Use Seed Box: Earned from Tithe Farm, it stores up to 2.1 billion seeds of six types, saving inventory space.
This method shines early on when Slayer and bossing aren’t viable, providing a steady seed trickle for your Farming journey.
Slayer Drops: Seeds from Combat
Slayer is a powerhouse skill for Ironmen, and it doubles as a seed-gathering machine. Many mid-to-high-level Slayer monsters drop valuable seeds, making this a dual-purpose grind for combat XP and Farming resources.
Top Slayer Monsters for Seeds
| Monster | Slayer Level | Seed Drops | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberrant Spectres | 60 | Herb seeds (guam to ranarr) | Slayer Tower |
| Nechryaels | 80 | Herb seeds (ranarr, snapdragon) | Slayer Tower |
| Dagannoths | 1 (assigned at 74/92) | Allotment, herb seeds | Lighthouse |
| Turoths | 55 | Herb, allotment seeds | Fremennik Slayer Dungeon |
Slayer Seed Strategy
- Use a Cannon: Speed up Dagannoth kills under the Lighthouse for faster seed drops.
- Target Herb Seeds: Prioritize tasks like Nechryaels for ranarr and snapdragon seeds, vital for Herblore.
- Combine with Training: Slayer naturally boosts combat stats, so it’s a win-win for Ironmen.
As your Slayer level climbs, so does the quality of seeds, making this a long-term investment with big payoffs.
Birdhouse Runs and Managing Miscellania: Passive Seed Gains
For Ironmen who love passive income, birdhouse runs and Managing Miscellania offer low-effort seed collection. These methods require some setup but reward you with seeds over time without constant grinding.
Birdhouse Runs
Unlocked after Bone Voyage (Fossil Island access), birdhouse runs involve setting up birdhouses with logs and seeds. Check them every 50 minutes for bird nests, which often contain tree and fruit tree seeds.
- Requirements: 5 Hunter, Bone Voyage quest
- Best Seeds: Oak, willow, maple, and fruit tree seeds
- Tip: Use yew or magic logs for higher-tier nests at 44+ Hunter.
Managing Miscellania
After completing Throne of Miscellania (and ideally Royal Trouble), allocate workers to gather resources. Assigning them to “Herbs” or “Hardwood” yields herb seeds and bird nests, respectively.
- Setup Cost: 750,000+ coins in coffers daily
- Seeds Gained: Ranarr, toadflax, and tree seeds from nests
- Pro Tip: Maintain 100% approval and check daily for max rewards.
These passive methods are perfect for supplementing active seed-gathering efforts, especially for tree and herb seeds.
Bossing and Minigames: High-Risk, High-Reward Seeds
For late-game Ironmen with decent combat stats, bossing and select minigames unlock rare and high-level seeds. These methods require more skill and gear but offer some of the best seed drops in OSRS.
Top Bosses for Seeds
- Zulrah: Drops palm, papaya, and herb seeds (90+ Combat recommended).
- Kalphite Queen: Offers watermelon, palm, and herb seeds (100+ Combat).
- Giant Mole: Trade mole claws/skins with Wyson for nests with tree/herb seeds (70+ Combat).
- Venenatis: Drops 100 noted snapdragons and seeds (Wilderness, 90+ Combat).
Minigame Seed Sources
- Wintertodt: Supply crates (50 Firemaking) often contain tree and herb seeds.
- Tithe Farm: Earn points for a seed box and low-level seeds (34+ Farming).
- Temple Trekking: Watermelon seeds and other allotments as rewards.
Bossing is ideal for Ironmen nearing endgame, while minigames like Wintertodt suit mid-level players looking to diversify their seed sources.
Final Thoughts
Gathering seeds in Ironman mode OSRS is a grind, but with the right strategies, it becomes manageable and even enjoyable. Farming contracts are your bread and butter for consistent seed packs, while pickpocketing Master Farmers kickstarts your early game. Slayer and bossing scale with your account’s progression, and passive methods like birdhouse runs and Miscellania keep seeds flowing effortlessly. Tailor your approach to your current level and goals—whether it’s herb seeds for Herblore or tree seeds for Construction—and you’ll build a thriving Ironman empire in no time. Which method will you tackle first? Drop your thoughts below and happy scaping in 2025!