Old seeds?

**Two_Sheds** · 03-01-2011, 04:05 PM

I'm a tightwad and always save my seeds for the following year/s.

I don't even look at the sell-by date on packets

**quark1** · 03-01-2011, 04:08 PM

Tightwad numero duo here too!

Other than some which are notorious for not keeping such as parsnip - but even with those you can get an odd one or two to germinate unexpectedly.

Try an early sowing or a germination test on kitchen paper to establish how viable the seed is - then the choice is yours.

**Jeanied** · 03-01-2011, 04:16 PM

The seeds in the packet don't all die off at once. They gradually become less and less viable over time.

I tested very old parsnip seeds on damp kitchen paper in a sealed plastic carton in the airing cupboard. It took a few days but then a few sprouted.

**Flummery** · 03-01-2011, 04:21 PM

Books tell you to buy new seeds each year too - makes me so cross because inexperienced gardeners will believe it. Himself and his Dad once scattered some swede and turnip seeds that had been his Grandad's - they must have been 30 years out of date. A surprising number grew!

**Nicos** · 03-01-2011, 05:02 PM

here's some idea...

How long will vegetable seeds last if stored properly?
Asparagus 3
Beans 3
Onions 1
Beets 4
Peas 3
Broccoli 5
Peppers 2
Cabbage 5
Pumpkins 4
Carrots 3
Radishes 5
Cauliflower 5
Spinach 5
Corn 2
Squash 4
Cucumbers 5
Tomatoes 4
Lettuce 5
Watermelons 4

Dirt Happy: Seed Viability Table

Hill Gardens of Maine - Longevity of Seeds in Ideal Storage

This one has other info too...
Seed For The Garden - Virginia Cooperative Extension

...hope that gives you an idea??

( I never use parsnip seeds the following year cos I have enough trouble germinating them the first year!!

)...everything else just gets chucked in

**Jelliebabe** · 03-01-2011, 05:07 PM

So I guess it's suck it and see!! I will now tuck my seeds away into my freshly homemade seed tin (old cassette case!)

**arpoet** · 03-01-2011, 05:10 PM

I never have a problem being a tight wad.. i will sow the old veg seeds and if they come up.. then they are still fertile.. if they dont, then i've lost nowt. Old flower seeds i just scatter and hope for the best.
Roger

**hailtryfan** · 03-01-2011, 08:18 PM

how long do seeds keep for?

Up to 2000 years if it's a date palm seed!

2,000-Year-Old Seed Sprouts, Sapling Is Thriving

**Florence Fennel** · 03-01-2011, 08:44 PM

I don't take much notice of the sow-by date, I just use them up and buy more when I have run out IYKWIM. Oh, except for parsnips. I do use the old ones to see if they'll germinate, but I always buy just one packet of new each year.

**binley100** · 03-01-2011, 08:51 PM

Tightwad here too.........

but I still find I need new seeds whenever I see them

**solway cropper** · 03-01-2011, 09:32 PM

Tightwad here too......... but I still find I need new seeds whenever I see them

This is why there's seedaholics anonymous

**ginger ninger** · 03-01-2011, 09:32 PM

I found a pkt of parsnip seeds last year that I'd forgot about (2007), I sowed about 20 and 11 germinated...I was rather impressed, not with the seeds but with the fact I got them to germinate at all

. Me and parsnips don't have a very good relationship.

**Alison** · 03-01-2011, 09:36 PM

Originally posted by Nicos View Post

How long will vegetable seeds last if stored properly?
Asparagus 3
Beans 3
Onions 1
Beets 4
Peas 3
Broccoli 5
Peppers 2
Cabbage 5
Pumpkins 4
Carrots 3
Radishes 5
Cauliflower 5
Spinach 5
Corn 2
Squash 4
Cucumbers 5
Tomatoes 4
Lettuce 5
Watermelons 4

To be honest I'd say that those durations can easily be doubled. In particular brassic seeds easily last 10 years and toms also. I've had high germination from old peppers, corn and squash also. As for peas and beans so long as they're kept clean and dry they pretty much last forever

**Flummery** · 04-01-2011, 10:27 AM

Originally posted by Alison View Post

To be honest I'd say that those durations can easily be doubled. In particular brassic seeds easily last 10 years and toms also. I've had high germination from old peppers, corn and squash also. As for peas and beans so long as they're kept clean and dry they pretty much last forever

And tomato seeds are mostly still viable after 10 years. Remember, they WANT you to need more seeds!

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