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Out of date seeds
Orchid Lady
Posts: 5,800
I know there was a brief chat on one of the threads the other day about using out of date seeds, but I don't think we got a conclusive answer. Going through my seeds this morning, I have quite a few that are out of date, some by 2 years. They are all seeds that I either got free or that my mum gave me, so no money wasted. Any thoughts as to whether they will be ok or not? Thanks. T
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You don't having anything to loose other than a bit of compost, which can be recycled. I would have a go, but don't rely on them, have alternatives.
Sew them a bit earlier ( bit) than usual and see if they germinate, maybe only a small % will, all, or none.
Certain seeds last for years beyond the sew by date, others are more fussy. Just have a go.
Something else to watch Tracey
I don't think there is a conclusive answer Tracey. It depends what they are, how they're packed and how they've been stored.
As KEF says, sow them and see
In the sticks near Peterborough
Hi Tracey. There is no definitive answer Im afraid. Some seeds remain viable for many years eg. poppies which can remain viable for hundreds of years, whereas others need to be sown fresh. Some Hellebores for instance need sowing as soon as ripe.
If you have the space try them, but if they are seeds you really need to perform, then I would buy fresh.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
'No definite answer' describes many aspects gardening. Some people will swear by one technique, others will throw up their hands in horror.
Everything depends on something and the somethings are very variable.
Somewhere there may be a thriving rhodendron on chalk, even though we all know they don't grow there
In the sticks near Peterborough
Thanks everyone
You can do a test germination with seeds that don't need a period of cold - put a few seeds on a piece of wet folded kitchen paper and observe whether they start to shoot. You can then sow any that do germinate, and it gives you an idea of the success rate if you sow the remainder.
Beans, runner and French, last several years after their sow by date, peas are OK too. I have used tomato and courgette seeds a year or two past their date. But parsnips must be fresh. Poppies last decades in the ground waiting for suitable conditions, they like the earth to be moved, so poppies should be fine. But French Marigolds that were 2 years past didn't work - but was it old age or something else?
I have germinated seeds found in my FIL's shed after he died and most were 10 years old or more. You don't know till you've tried but as others have said don't rely on them, have a back up supply if you really can't do without them this year.
Good luck Tracey.
Just had my newsletter from Garden Organic and they commented on old seeds;
Parsnips only last one year. For everything else, sprinkle a few on to damp kitchen paper and see if they germinate
Easy peasy lemon squeezy.