age and seed germination

Latest Articles

age and seed germination

Downsizer Forum Index -> Grow Your Own

Author

Message

Cathryn

Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19862
Location: Ceredigion

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 15 11:01 am Post subject: age and seed germination
I seem to remember a list on here of how long to keep seeds past their use by date. Can anyone help because I am struggling to find it.

earthyvirgo

Joined: 24 Aug 2007
Posts: 7972
Location: creating prints in the loft, Gerlan

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 15 11:20 am Post subject: Re: age and seed germination

Cathryn wrote:

I seem to remember a list on here of how long to keep seeds past their use by date. Can anyone help because I am struggling to find it.

I remember something about most things having a much longer shelf life than suggested on packets, unless the plant begins with P - hmmm, am I making that up? Don't think so.
I know Parsley struggles if it's not fresh seed.

EV

robkb

Joined: 29 May 2009
Posts: 4205
Location: SE London

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 15 11:54 am Post subject:
This article on the Real Seeds website is very useful: https://www.realseeds.co.uk/seedlife.html

Cathryn

Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19862
Location: Ceredigion

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 15 3:01 pm Post subject:
Thank you, interesting though, I found a list that contradicts that one in places. Not a seed companies either. I've chucked a lot. I planted a long pot of mixed leaves, none came up.

OtleyLad

Joined: 13 Jan 2007
Posts: 2737
Location: Otley, West Yorkshire

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 15 3:43 pm Post subject: Re: age and seed germination

earthyvirgo wrote:

Cathryn wrote:

I seem to remember a list on here of how long to keep seeds past their use by date. Can anyone help because I am struggling to find it.

Except Peas - these will germinate well for years (I've used some at least 7 years old). Weren't some found in Tutankhamun's Tomb and they germinated?

Slim

Joined: 05 Mar 2006
Posts: 6712
Location: New England (In the US of A)

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 15 3:43 pm Post subject:
Best practice is to keep seeds dry and frozen. Shelf life as written on the packet can be completely ignored under ideal conditions. (not to say that they'll last indefinitely, but that the shelf life presumed will be completely inaccurate)

Piggyphile

Joined: 02 Apr 2009
Posts: 891
Location: Galicia

Posted: Thu Aug 06, 15 6:45 pm Post subject:
I am certainly old and don't germinate as often as I'd like to....

NorthernMonkeyGirl

Joined: 10 Apr 2011
Posts: 4659
Location: Peeping over your shoulder

Posted: Mon Aug 10, 15 9:27 am Post subject:

Cathryn wrote:

Thank you, interesting though, I found a list that contradicts that one in places. Not a seed companies either. I've chucked a lot. I planted a long pot of mixed leaves, none came up.

Real Seeds encourages saving your own seed so I would trust their recommendations on storage times

Bebo

Joined: 21 May 2007
Posts: 12591
Location: East Sussex

Posted: Mon Aug 10, 15 1:44 pm Post subject:
Old seed from umbellifers are notorious for not germinating. For carrots and parsnips I always buy fresh seed. Otherwise stuff lasts for much longer than suggested. I've sown 5 year old tomato seeds with reasonable germination rates.

	Downsizer Forum Index -> Grow Your Own	All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1

View Latest Posts