On Mar 25, 11:09*am, Baz wrote:
michael wrote in news:85fb165c-a1c2-4022-
:





I have recently conducted an experiment to compare commercial pea
seed,bought 2011,with my own saved seed collected in 2008,and stored
in a paper bag in the garage.
In both cases 100 seeds were planted in a large seed tray as
follows.Tray filled to within 1/2" of top with my own compost.Peas
distributed evenly and pressed into compost and watered,then covered
with dry compost and put into a propagating bench set at about 20C.
My 2008 seed emerged after 6 days,and I counted 98/99 germinated
seeds.The commercial seed emerged a little later,after 10 days,but
with only 68 seed germinated.I have repeated the experiment with
almost identical results.
I can only conclude that the commercial seed was harvested
considerably earlier than 2008,or stored in poor conditions.
I am sure that many gardeners put pea seed germination failure down to
their own incompetence,but my experiment seems to show that newly
purchased seed is already quite old.
Should I complain to the seed company?
I would like to see a move towards seed companies noting on the
packets when the seed was harvested,not packed.
Michael

I havn't done an experiment but I have found that my previous years seed
saved, including broad bean and runner bean have germinated quicker and
with almost 100% success. I have saved loads from last year and hope not to
have to buy any this year.

I don't understand the 2008 connection with your post. Why did you not sow
them in 2009? Why wait 'till 2011?

Baz- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Thanks for your reply.I always collect pea seed from my usual
varieties,and often have plenty of seed left over,and still have some
seed from 2008.
I am sure that many gardeners find that their own saved seed from the
previous year has very good vitality,but I was both surprised how good
my 2008 seed was,and how poor was my newly bought seed
..Assuming that commercial seed growers store their seed sensibly,and I
know that some use refrigeration,my only conclusion was that my 2011
bought pea seed must have been harvested quite a few years ago.I do
not find that acceptable.
I would welcome more comments.
Michael