I received some awesome seed packets as a gift, but since I'm moving soon, I want to wait until I settle into a proper garden before planting them. If I hold off until next spring or summer, will they still be viable?
3 Answers
Seeds usually come with an expiry date if they're store-bought, so check that first. For seeds you saved yourself, the lifespan varies by plant type. The way you store them also plays a huge role in how long they'll last.
To keep your seeds viable longer, store them cool and dry, preferably in a dark spot. A back nook of your fridge can work great, and freezing seeds usually won't harm them. The key is to maintain a consistent cool temp to avoid waking the seeds up too early. Happy gardening in your new place!
It really depends on the type of seeds. For instance, squash seeds can last around 4 years, but lettuce seeds barely germinate after one year. On the flip side, some tomato seeds can be viable for over 20 years. Just remember, how you store them matters too!