Out of date seeds

[VeggieSam]

I am just sorting through my veg seeds and I have some packets that are sow by 2007 - are they still ok to use this year or am I better off buying new seeds.

TIA

Sam

[Madasafish]

I am still planting seeds with a best before 2004 date...

[zazen999]

If they germinate you can save some cash, if not; then you can buy some more. There is a guide to checking the germination rate on here somewhere, but I would sow them when the time is right and see what happens.

[veg4681]

I am just sorting through my veg seeds and I have some packets that are sow by 2007 - are they still ok to use this year or am I better off buying new seeds.

TIA
Sam

I wouldn't worry too much if they've just expired. Another year you should be able to push it and even longer depending on the vegetable. I think certain veggies, you're better off using fresh as you possibly can as they don't keep well, like your parsnips and onions. I used to keep my seeds for years until they stopped germinating.

Anyway feel free to check the link below of my last thread enquiring about seeds expiry date.

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ate_10268.html

[VeggieSam]

Thank you for your speedy replies - I shall continue to use the seeds I have.

Thanks again

Sam

[Hazel at the Hill]

Hi Veggiesam and welcome to the Vine!

Having been forlornly looking at unsprouting onion seeds in pots for nearly 3 weeks, a few days ago I thought I'd better try putting a few on the kitchen windowsill - on damp kitchen roll on a saucer (cover with clingfilm) - to see what the germination rate is like.

It's not new seed, and it would appear to be extremely extinct, and now I've wasted 3 weeks good growing time

Moral: anything you're unsure of, a week before you want to sow, do the germination test above to make sure your seeds are viable.

[VeggieSam]

Thanks for the Tip Hazel - shall give it a go

Sam

[JanieB]

Seeds have germinated from 5000 year old Egyptian tombs - don't know the failure rate though . I've got 30 year old seeds around and I intend to try them out. My daughter found them when we were sorting the house out last year. No food seeds, only flowers. If any germinate I have a bonus .

[Flummery]

Seeds have germinated from 5000 year old Egyptian tombs .

Bet they weren't parsnips JanieB!

[borobob]

Hi, Dont sow old parsnip seed. This is very hard to germinate. As for the others put them in and if they come its a bonus

[Madasafish]

[I] still have parsnips germinating. Last sown 12 years ago....

[Birdie Wife]

Hi Veggiesam and welcome to the Vine!

Having been forlornly looking at unsprouting onion seeds in pots for nearly 3 weeks, a few days ago I thought I'd better try putting a few on the kitchen windowsill - on damp kitchen roll on a saucer (cover with clingfilm) - to see what the germination rate is like.

It's not new seed, and it would appear to be extremely extinct, and now I've wasted 3 weeks good growing time

Moral: anything you're unsure of, a week before you want to sow, do the germination test above to make sure your seeds are viable.

Funny that, I sowed onoin seed in modules at the start of the month and nada, even at the bottom of the airing cupboard. I'm going to try some on kitchen paper tonight. It's funny how some veg has phases of not working - a couple of years ago it was carrots.

[rustylady]

I'm having the same problem with onion seed this year (and they are new seed) - checked Dr Hessayon and he says could be 3 weeks to germinate. 7 days to go!! Last year I had problems with sweetcorn. Would definitely agree try germinating a few seeds on kitchen paper as a sample, but generally speaking seeds are a bit like supermarket food. They have a sell by (or sow by) date to comply with regulations, but very often last much longer.