This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Talkback: Veg seed storage times
Linda Gruchy
Posts: 17
in Talkback
I had an old packet of cheap Bunyard Exhibition broad beans which had a use by date of 2006. I was loath to throw them, so sprouted them in a jar in the same way you do sprouts for eating, except that as soon as the root peeped out, I planted them in loo rolls. I was astounded that every seed germinated and they're now growing away in the greenhouse.
0
Posts
I read an article about " out of date" seeds and they suggested trying a sample on moist tissue to see if they germinate,( as you can see germination immediately) I'd never throw seeds out without giving them a go. I sowed some seeds of salad bowl lettuce a couple of weeks ago which were " sow before 2012" , and I'm very happy with the germination. Give it a go, but maybe nice and early so you've time to buy more should they fail.
I've a packet of sunflowers seeds which should have been sown by 2010 and still looking good. They germinated last year and the last of them will be sown this year.
Pea and bean seeds keep for several years. Parsnips and carrots don't!