I saved some seeds from last year, like sunflowers, zinnias, baby's breath, pumpkin, and Hopi red dye, and I'm wondering if they're still viable for planting this spring. They've been kept dry and in their original packaging, but is a year too long? Should I invest in new seeds to be safe?
3 Answers
I keep all my seeds in a crisper drawer in the fridge, and they seem to last for multiple seasons while still germinating well. You might be surprised at how well some of those older seeds perform when you're ready to plant!
Most seeds can last a few years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. You might see a bit of a drop in germination rates over time, but I wouldn’t toss your year-old seeds just yet! If you're curious, consider doing a quick germination test to see how many sprout before you decide to buy new ones.
Typically, seeds can stay viable for about five years, and some might even last longer! I usually clear out my seed stash after three years, but I keep special ones. It's all about trial and error; if they don’t germinate, you can always try again with fresh ones.