Old seed vitality

[Jimmy]

For example..
I had some toms use by 2015, still in sealed pack.
I planted all of them.
If some come up will they be as strong as fresh seed?
Thanks
Jimmy

[nickdub]

Yep- should be fine = no problems with old seed as long as it germinates.

[bario1]

I think the general consensus (on here at least) is that once something's germinated it has the same chance of survival as any other seedling, regardless of the age of the seed. I don't know if there's any science behind that though?

[Jimmy]

OK thanks.
Recently sowed an unopened packet of T&M pea terrain, sow by 2018.
None came up!
Jimmy

[It never rains..it pours]

In my experience this year peas are bad if over yeared. Germination and vigour poor compared to new. There are a few trials on line, one here https://bib.irb.hr/datoteka/340529.Bukvic-2007.pdf
But over yeared Tomatos seem no different at all

[Penellype]

I think some seeds are fine regardless of age, as long as they germinate, but others, particularly peas (which may or may not be because they are usually stored in paper packets) are noticeably weaker. I've also had sickly plants from brassicas and courgettes sown from seeds that are well out of date.

[Martin H]

I've noticed with brassicas that seedlings from old seed often have damaged seed leaves and it takes them a lot longer to get going compared to plants from fresh seed.

It seems that where a seed is small and doesn't contain much food, stays viable for longer. For example, Nicotiana seed is like dust and seems to stay good for ages.

[burnie]

If seed is stored at 5 degrees it helps with their life span.

[kitty12345]

I received last winter from the pea & bean circle a pack of peas packed in 2015. I had 100% germination, very pleased! It was from Real Seeds though so maybe they have a faster process compared to the big companies.

[rary]

Just because things are old does not mean they are past it.


After all check how productive VC is

[veggiechicken]

Again, I won't disagree with you rary, for my age, I'm very productive, as you might expect for someone who is half your age.

[Squingy]

My past date tom seeds from 2016 were just as vigorous as new seeds. I cannot say the same for corn 2 years past date, few came up when they did they were weak.

[Jimmy]

Hmm, thought I posted following but can't find it.
I had two half packs of dwarf french beans dated 2018.
Sowed all of them under a frame, none have come up.
Bought a fresh pack, will try them today.

A few days ago I bought a fresh pack of peas. Sowed half the pack in mushroom containers. Placed in greenhouse with glass on top (no mice access).
So far one has appered. Fingers crossed for more, but see my legend below.
Jimmy

[Jimmy]

Re dwarf beans
Went to resow with fresh seed. However I think I saw a few trying to pop up.
Will give them a bit longer.
Impatiant, Jimmy

[SarrissUK]

haha Jimmy, that's how I ended up with 140 chillies lol