Old seeds

[Small pumpkin]

I've sown 11 varieties of herbs and 10 varieties of basil (17th March) in unheated propagator in the tunnel . Germination is poor. Just realised most of the seeds are quite old (3 years+ ). So what would you do? Sow the rest of the seeds and hope some come up? Would putting them into a heated propagator help? Or do I have to spend more money on more seeds ( after visiting the VSP obviously ). I really need herbs this year.

[veggiechicken]

Bung them in the heated prop - especially the basil.
I don't think 3 years is a long time - but I'm trying to grow 20 year old peas

[Small pumpkin]

Thanks VC.
20 year old pea seeds ..... Well that makes me feel better . I'd be interested to know how they do.


You could start another challenge. Who can germinate the oldest seeds

[Alison]

How warm / cold is it in your tunnel? Even in a propagator mine would be a might bit chilly at the moment for germination. I'll be starting mine in the next week or so but they'll be nice and toasty inside.

[Small pumpkin]

It would be fair to say the temperature has fluctuated in the tunnel. I have been taking the top off if the sun has been out, but yes I think it's generally a bit chilly.
3 varieties of basil have started germinating but not many of them.