Re: How Long Do Seeds Stay Good?


On Mon, 22 Jul 2002 07:14:31 -0400
"Dream Builder" <dreambuilder@alltel.net> wrote:

> I have some seeds that are still in unopened packages. Does anyone know how long seeds stay good?

Some kinds of seeds will keep for several years, some will not germinate at all after more than a year.  There's no hard and fast rule about this but some plant families seeds last longer than others.  I've heard stories of grain from ancient tombs being viable after several thousand years.

The number of years below is a guideline based in part on my experiences cross checked with information from Edward C. Smith's excellent book "The Vegetable Gardener's Bible.  If the seeds are treated right, they'll last longer.  Time will cause seeds to deteriorate with fewer and fewer seeds germinating each year. Heat and moisture will speed this process.

Here's some examples:

years
  5     Cucumber, artichoke, Basil, Cilantro, Dill
  1     Oregano, Onion 
  2     Okra (15% germination in year 2 for me), Pepper
  1-2   Chinese Cabbage, Corn, Chives, Lettuce
  1-3   Parsley, Lettuce
  3     Cabbage, Celery, Carrot, Broccoli, Beans, Fennel, Kohlrabi, 
  4     Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Beet, Eggplant, Gourds,         Arugala,Kale, Melon

-pat
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