I've been keeping track of my seeds and tossing out the old ones since I thought that was the right thing to do. But lately, I've had a lot of old seeds piling up, so I decided to plant some to avoid waste. Surprisingly, I had 6-year-old Okra, Thai Pepper, and Pumpkin seeds, and they sprouted just as well as fresh ones! Now I'm wondering, are these shelf life estimates really accurate, or are they mostly for the sellers? Is there something else going on with the seed industry?
4 Answers
I’ve planted seeds that were way past their best-by dates, like my tomatoes and peppers from 2017, and they had a 98% germination rate! So it really seems like storage conditions really make a difference. If you're unsure about some seeds, just plant them indoors first and see how they do!
The longevity of seeds really varies by species. For example, lettuce seeds don’t last as long, but seeds like arugula can go for years. While germination might decline for beans, melons, and squashes over time, trying to sprout them in paper towels can help you test their viability.
The shelf life estimates are mostly for the sellers’ peace of mind rather than actual lifespan. It's similar to most food products. They want to ensure that if something doesn’t sprout, you don't blame them if the seeds are expired.
If you keep your seeds in a cool, dry place like the fridge or freezer, they can last for a really long time. It’s all about how you store them!