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age and seed germination

 
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Cathryn



Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion
PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 15 11:01 am    Post subject: age and seed germination Reply with quote
    

I seem to remember a list on here of how long to keep seeds past their use by date. Can anyone help because I am struggling to find it.

earthyvirgo



Joined: 24 Aug 2007
Posts: 7972
Location: creating prints in the loft, Gerlan
PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 15 11:20 am    Post subject: Re: age and seed germination Reply with quote
    

Cathryn wrote:
I seem to remember a list on here of how long to keep seeds past their use by date. Can anyone help because I am struggling to find it.


I remember something about most things having a much longer shelf life than suggested on packets, unless the plant begins with P - hmmm, am I making that up? Don't think so.
I know Parsley struggles if it's not fresh seed.

EV

robkb



Joined: 29 May 2009
Posts: 4205
Location: SE London
PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 15 11:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

This article on the Real Seeds website is very useful:

https://www.realseeds.co.uk/seedlife.html

Cathryn



Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion
PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 15 3:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Thank you, interesting though, I found a list that contradicts that one in places. Not a seed companies either. I've chucked a lot. I planted a long pot of mixed leaves, none came up.

OtleyLad



Joined: 13 Jan 2007
Posts: 2737
Location: Otley, West Yorkshire
PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 15 3:43 pm    Post subject: Re: age and seed germination Reply with quote
    

earthyvirgo wrote:
Cathryn wrote:
I seem to remember a list on here of how long to keep seeds past their use by date. Can anyone help because I am struggling to find it.


I remember something about most things having a much longer shelf life than suggested on packets, unless the plant begins with P - hmmm, am I making that up? Don't think so.
I know Parsley struggles if it's not fresh seed.

EV


Except Peas - these will germinate well for years (I've used some at least 7 years old). Weren't some found in Tutankhamun's Tomb and they germinated?

Slim



Joined: 05 Mar 2006
Posts: 6533
Location: New England (In the US of A)
PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 15 3:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Best practice is to keep seeds dry and frozen. Shelf life as written on the packet can be completely ignored under ideal conditions.

(not to say that they'll last indefinitely, but that the shelf life presumed will be completely inaccurate)

Piggyphile



Joined: 02 Apr 2009
Posts: 891
Location: Galicia
PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 15 6:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I am certainly old and don't germinate as often as I'd like to....

NorthernMonkeyGirl



Joined: 10 Apr 2011
Posts: 4584
Location: Peeping over your shoulder
PostPosted: Mon Aug 10, 15 9:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Cathryn wrote:
Thank you, interesting though, I found a list that contradicts that one in places. Not a seed companies either. I've chucked a lot. I planted a long pot of mixed leaves, none came up.


Real Seeds encourages saving your own seed so I would trust their recommendations on storage times

Bebo



Joined: 21 May 2007
Posts: 12590
Location: East Sussex
PostPosted: Mon Aug 10, 15 1:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Old seed from umbellifers are notorious for not germinating. For carrots and parsnips I always buy fresh seed. Otherwise stuff lasts for much longer than suggested. I've sown 5 year old tomato seeds with reasonable germination rates.

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