Viable seeds

[rary]

I have some packets of Coronation Festival 2013 cauliflower seeds (English winter)
these are a heritage variety. Will these seeds still be viable, and if doubtful how can I test the viability of them. Also as space is limited are they worth growing?

[Hazel at the Hill]

I'd think they would be fine, Rary - brassica seeds are good for a few years. To test them, take half a dozen and sow them in a small pot with some seed compost and keep them on a warm windowsill for a few days. Count how many sprout, as long as you get about a half up, I'd use them.

I don't know about this variety as I haven't grown it - if you don't fancy growing them to full size, you can always use the seeds as microgreens.

[lottie dolly]

HI there,yes you can test the viability,same with other seeds,place a few on a bit of damp tissue,and see if they sprout,if they do,then plant them up and see how they go,then you can sow the rest at the correct time,

[Veggielot]

Another way you could test is to put a few on a piece of damp kitchen and keep warm, you should start to shoots develop.

I assume you must have wanted to grow them when you bought them so unless you have gone off them I would at least stick some in.

[rary]

Thanks folks for the information on testing viability, and no Veggielot I didn't buy them (that word sends a shiver down my spine..just joking) I received 8 packets of them and if worth growing I will be giving most of them away as young plants.