On 27/03/2012 15:30, David WE Roberts wrote:
For seeds, that is.

Now, ones from last year to use by end 2012 should probably be O.K.

But what about ones to use by end 2011?

Is the 'use by' date like that for drugs etc. when they draw a line when
they are for example only 80% effective?

I have just been sorting out my bags of left over seeds and wondering
how many might still be viable.

Perhaps I will experiment :-)

I assume in the wild seeds can lie dormant for several years until
conditions improve.

Cheers

Dave R


In my experience the viability depends greatly on the type of seed. I
tend to use (opened) packets from previous years until they run out or
fail to germinate. Lettuce seems to fail three years after the packet
being open. Runner bean seeds seemingly last for ever. Parsnip seem to
be hit and miss the following year. I can't even get mache to germinate
the same year it is opened (within date!).

--
David in Normandy.
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