what does the plant by date really mean?

[lawless23456]

hi all

i was in woolworths today and bought some seeds that were going cheap some with plant by 2008 dates, does this really mean anything will they keep until next year? i wouldnt think it would have to much of an effect but im no expert

thanks

[lynda66]

it means chuck half away and buy more next year ..... in shop speak anyway ....... as far as i can make out, parsnip and onion seeds should be used by the sow by date, as fresh seeds work best ....... but anything else will last for a good few years

[Hazel at the Hill]

does this really mean anything

No - all it means is that the seed companies wish to increase their sales.

With the possible exception of ....

...parsnip...

Mind you, although the above is true, you are most likely to fall victim to Excessive Seed Buying Syndrome like the rest of us!

[lynda66]

i bough loads more onions and parsnips for 10p a packet, for that price if i get one a packet .... who cares lol

definitely got far too many seeds, for next year, but i'm aiming for twice as many veg at least as this year.

[Flummery]

It's like sell by dates on food. They are a guide. What did we do before we had them? The old scratch and sniff test! Many seeds are viable for years after the stated date. You can always test a few on damp tissue paper in a poly bag. If they throw little shoots you're laughing tea-cakes!

[Alison]

I totally igore the dates, if the seeds germinate then it's good seed - grew some very nice toms this year from seeds 5 years out of date with almost only one seed failing to germinate.