I had 2 packets of out of date chilli seeds. Both failed. So I bought a chilli from the supermarket and used the seeds out of that. They worked! Did not freeze but dried them out on kitchen roll on window ledge then put in fridge for a few days.
I have bought seeds back from EU countries (e.g. broom) and put then in hold luggage. -70 temperature certainly gave then a freeze!
My chilli seeds failed last year too Lizzy - they were out of date. Have bought a fresh packet to give a go this year. I bought plugs last year and brought them on but it's not quite the same as growing all the way from seeds.
I'll see what happens with the parsley - if nothing happens i'll try some fresh seed and give it some cold as advised by nut
I think tomato seeds are almost indestructible. They can survive the human digestive system and sewerage treatment plants and still germinate on river banks when discharged after treatment.
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Yes, lettuce seeds are one of the longest lasting Hostafan. Nice little list here:
http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1999/4-2-1999/veggielife.html
Oh dear - The parsley seeds I've just planted are on Bob's short list along with onion and parsnip - fingers crossed
If I remember correctly the oldest viable seed germinated (confirmed age by carbon dating) is 30,000 years old, so......nothing ventured.........????
My Roma tomato seeds were dated 1995 all germinated. Agree about parsnips and onions though.
Parsley might benefit from leaving outside in the cold, a lot of that family benefit from the cold treatment
In the sticks near Peterborough
I had 2 packets of out of date chilli seeds. Both failed. So I bought a chilli from the supermarket and used the seeds out of that. They worked! Did not freeze but dried them out on kitchen roll on window ledge then put in fridge for a few days.
I have bought seeds back from EU countries (e.g. broom) and put then in hold luggage. -70 temperature certainly gave then a freeze!
My chilli seeds failed last year too Lizzy - they were out of date. Have bought a fresh packet to give a go this year. I bought plugs last year and brought them on but it's not quite the same as growing all the way from seeds.
I'll see what happens with the parsley - if nothing happens i'll try some fresh seed and give it some cold as advised by nut
Thanks all
I think tomato seeds are almost indestructible. They can survive the human digestive system and sewerage treatment plants and still germinate on river banks when discharged after treatment.
Hostafan1 - tomato plants on the river banks? Not seen that. Free tomatoes?