hi, how long should you keep seeds? I've just planted some tomato and
aubergine seeds from packets I got 2 years ago, don't know if they'll grow,
should I buy new ones? TIA

On Mon, 13 Mar 2006 12:49:41 -0000, "sam" wrote:

hi, how long should you keep seeds? I've just planted some tomato and
aubergine seeds from packets I got 2 years ago, don't know if they'll grow,
should I buy new ones? TIA

If the packets are well sealed they will generally last for years.

With old seeds there is no cut off point at which they become useless
the germination rates jut tail off. So this year all my toms and
peppers are being planted from what's left over from last years seed
packets. Last year I had nigh on 100% germination this year perhaps
70% both years I've ended up giving away plants.

In other words - plant them and see what happens but put a few more in
than you would normally sow.

In message , sam
writes
hi, how long should you keep seeds? I've just planted some tomato and
aubergine seeds from packets I got 2 years ago, don't know if they'll grow,
should I buy new ones? TIA


You could try. I have had seeds for years and they have been OK but it
is a matter of how you have stored them and a huge element of luck as to
whether or not they will germinate.
--
June Hughes

"sam" wrote in message
...
hi, how long should you keep seeds? I've just planted some tomato and
aubergine seeds from packets I got 2 years ago, don't know if they'll
grow,
should I buy new ones? TIA



It all depends on what conditions you keep them in.
Moisture content and warm temperatures are the two
factors which most affect seed viability.
If you store seeds in a tupperware box or similar, in
the fridge or freezer, straight after purchase, and certainly
after opening, this will reduce their moisture content and
effectively prolong their life for years. That's how most
seeds are stored in seed banks. Although under very carefuly
controlled conditions.

To test these particular samples, simply place a few
on some sheets of moist (warm water) kitchen towel and
keep in a warm place - covered so as to retain the moisture
and see if any roots emerge. Which they should in a few days.
A week at the outside. If you're feeling adventurous you could
then pot up the chitted seed root downwards into some small pots
of compost.

michael adams

....

sam wrote:

hi, how long should you keep seeds? I've just planted some tomato and
aubergine seeds from packets I got 2 years ago, don't know if they'll grow,
should I buy new ones? TIA

Assuming that you keep them cool and dry 5 years is usually fine for
most seeds. If you let them get wet and warm then they may fail.

Although I have had courgette seeds that were stored carelessly in
packets that were rained on and fell apart the seeds remained viable
afterwards (not a recommedended technique).

Compost is cheap enough and either the seeds will grow or they won't. We
discovered some old WWII era allotment seeds at my secondary school kept
in the back of a cupboard. Most grew away perfectly well after a few
decades dormancy.

Decades is not uncommon and some seeds will remain viable for hundreds
of years. Poppy is probably one of the most well known seeds with very
long life even in buried in damp soil. The Kew seed bank is aiming to
keep seeds for considerably longer by manipulating the conditions.

Regards,
Martin Brown

I'm sure I read somewhere that wheat seed found in ancient Egyptian tombs
germinated when sowed.

--
Hayley
(gardening on well drained, alkaline clay in Somerset)

thanks for replies, they're in foil packets in the fridge so I suppose
they'll be okay

On 13/3/06 22:20, in article
, "sam"
wrote:

thanks for replies, they're in foil packets in the fridge so I suppose
they'll be okay


I didn't know that's what I had to do with replies! ;-)))
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
)

"Sacha" wrote
On 13/3/06 22:20, in article
"sam"
wrote:

thanks for replies, they're in foil packets in the fridge so I
suppose
they'll be okay


I didn't know that's what I had to do with replies! ;-)))

It's in case you have to make a chilling rejoinder. ;-)

--
Sue

On 15/3/06 15:15, in article
ws.net, "Sue"
wrote:


"Sacha" wrote
On 13/3/06 22:20, in article
"sam"
wrote:

thanks for replies, they're in foil packets in the fridge so I
suppose
they'll be okay


I didn't know that's what I had to do with replies! ;-)))

It's in case you have to make a chilling rejoinder. ;-)

LOL, she replied glacially. ;-)
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
)