out of date seeds?

[4390evans]

Can out of date seeds still be used?

[veggiechicken]

Yes - but there are lots of variables - like how they have been stored and what sort of seeds they are.
Try this How long vegetable seeds can be stored

[WendyC]

Yes. Think of it more as a "best before date". If the foil packet is unopened they will keep for a long while. Once opened the seeds start to become less viable and germination rates drop. Some seeds are worse than others. Parsnips are best from fresh each year but some will last for ages such as beans.
If you want to check the viability of seeds you can sow a few on damp kitchen roll and see if they sprout. If they don't or only a few do, you know not to waste compost sowing more.
Are your packets opened or not? Did you have any particular in mind?

[4390evans]

not really, I have a few here unopened just wondered if I should sow of not x

[rustylady]

But which seeds do you have and what was the sow-by date?

[Moopmoop]

Last month I sowed some seeds of Gardeners Delight tomato and California Wonder pepper with a sow by date of 2012 and none of them germinated. The packets were unopened but I don't know how they had been stored as they came out of a skip. I would sow them anyway if you have spare compost, nothing to lose and everything to gain.

[ancee]

Hi moopmoop, welcome back and also

[Moopmoop]

It's good to be back, thank you

[Andypandi]

I would just sow them anyway and see what you get. Nothing to loose and could save you money on another packet of seeds if they do grow.

[Linzy]

Yeah im starting to think sell by dates on seed is all myth. I plant some 2009 vintage carrots and they are all up.

[nellie-m]

I sowed some broad beans that were eight years old last year, they came up fine, I sowed parsnip seeds that were at least three years old and got a beautiful row of plants - I'd say it's always worth a try, at least if it's some special variety.