"David WE Roberts" wrote:

Is the 'use by' date like that for drugs etc. when they draw a line when
they are for example only 80% effective?
Longevity depends very much on the family line, as with people. Google
"seed longevity" to get an idea, but be aware that seedsmen may be selling
several-year-old seed as long as it meets germination requirements.
I've gotten decent germination from 10 year old beet seed that I saved
myself and stored carefully (cool, dry, though not frozen which makes some
last _much_ longer).

--
Gary Woods AKA K2AHC- PGP key on request, or at home.earthlink.net/~garygarlic
Zone 5/4 in upstate New York, 1420' elevation. NY WO G