"Roger Tonkin" wrote in message
...
In article ,
says...
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
Experimentation is always the best idea, everyone will have their own
ideas.
I've just sown the last of the broad bean seeds I collected in 2006. We
were away all summer, and by the time we got back the crop had all dried
up, so I just picked it and podded it, shoved it in a paper bag and
been using ever since. Not noticed any degradation in germination rate.
--
I can't remember who said it but it was "Plants want to live."
I would try old seed and if it didn't germinate, so be it. Buy some newer
seed.
Also it's in the seed merchants interest to make you buy it every year by
putting use by dates on the packet.
Lettuce are iffy about lasting as are parsnips IME, but I would definitely
try.
My grandfather died in the 80's and occasionally I still come across the
runner beans seeds he saved, and gave to me - obviously I never saved them
all in the same place ;-)
They always grow. I don't know what variety they are but he grew them since
the 30.s and always saved seed.