Old Seeds

[Gemizzel]

Hi Everyone

Over the weekend I found some old seeds in our shed which the lady, who had our allotment before us, had stored away. They were in the packets, in an old tin.

The "sow by" dates varied from 2008 - 2010.

I found some spring onions and some turnips and did a row of each just to see what would happen really. TBH I dont expect anything so will be thrilled if they germinate

I also did another 3 rows of new spring onion seeds just in case there was no germination from the old seeds.

What are peoples experiences with 'old' seeds? I think the spring onions were 2010 but I think the turnips were 08/09

[Hazel at the Hill]

I find spring onions patchy at the best of times, but have had plenty of success with very old seed packets of brassicas. I should think that you'll have success or otherwise within the week (brassica seeds).

[Gemizzel]

Thanks Hazel, thats encouraging. I was pretty certain I would be told it was a waste of time using them

[lottie dolly]

I have seen/read on here,about putting seeds in empty herb/spice jar with the big holes in the top,shake them up,and use to distribute a few at a time to your chosen grow area,then use the resulting growth as salad leaves,please note...only use seeds from edible plants,

[Noosner]

Quite a few seeds are good for up to five years after the packet expiry date and we all love a bargain!

You could try germinating a few on a damp kitchen towel as a test. I think it works best if you put the towel in a plastic bag and make sure it gets a bit of warmth. You're wanting the seed to stay moist and warm. See what has happened after a few days.

[Moopmoop]

I think you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain with old seed. If you have purchased new seeds then use them too but if you only have old seed then plant them anyway and hope for the best. My other half sometimes brings me seeds home from work that he finds thrown away in skips but I go crazy when he says he had seeds but didn't bring them home as they were out of date. I think that the date on the packet is a guaranteed germination date and after then they may or may not germinate. Either way who can bare to throw seeds away? I've got packets from 2008 that I intend to use next year, obviously I'll use them alongside newer seeds if they are things that I am really wanting to grow just to make sure I'm not disappointed if they don't sprout.