My experience has been yes and no, also.
I, too, have found that a Danver Half Long, is a Danver Half Long, is a Danver Half Long, in most catalogs.
However, that said, you have to firstly read verrrry carefully. Let's say that you are looking for, Rugged Jack kale, that you remembered having. And the catalog says, Ragged Jack, with an 'A'. That generally means that it's a variation of the original, Rugged Jack. And while not bad, most likely, not exactly as you remembered, either.
Where seed companies get their seeds from varies. And not are equally choosy as to who they buy from, so while it's assumed the variety is what is advertised, there's always that small chance that it won't be.
Also, seed companies, to be within' the law, have to have a certain percentage germination rate. They do that by taking a cross section of seeds from cold storage, and actually germinating them at certain intervals. But while some stick right at the legal limit with what is required for a legal amount of seeds germinating, some have higher standards. That's one reason seed germination rate may vary a little.
That, and how long they sit on the racks at the nursery/store, plus the conditions there (temperature, humidity etc.), which also applies to how they are handled and stored at home, and how long they are kept.
While some seeds stay good for years, some, like carrots, are best not stored for great lengths of time.
I've found that while some seed companies are more expensive than others, almost across the board seeds have gone long past the days of cheap seed packets. And when you find them cheaper, check for their date, and make sure that they were packed for this year. You may not find the heirlooms that you want from those companies, but it seems like they are beginning to exploit the interest in heirlooms to a degree now, also.
Well, that was as clear as mud, wasn't it?
