Many hobby gardeners know the problem: after the gardening season, numerous seeds and half-empty seed packets are left over. But that doesn't mean you have to throw them away right away. Old vegetable, herb and flower seeds can often still germinate - provided they have been stored correctly. In this article you will learn how long different seeds last, how you should store them and how you can check their germination.
Are old seeds still usable?
Seeds are usually viable for at least a year after purchase. But if you have older seeds, you should first carefully check the packaging for notes like “Best before” or “Bottled for the year.” Such information will help you assess whether the seeds are still usable.
By law, garden seeds must be marked with a year of production. However, most seeds will last longer than the specified year if stored properly.
However, the shelf life of seeds depends not only on storage, but also on the type of seeds.
Why seeds go bad
Seeds are living organisms that can lose their ability to germinate under certain conditions. They are often described as “nature’s means of transportation,” but they are not invincible. Light, heat and moisture are among the biggest enemies of seeds.
If seeds are exposed to too much light, heat, or moisture, they may break dormancy and begin to germinate. The problem? Once the germination process has been initiated, it can no longer be stopped. Seeds stored in an unsuitable place will inevitably die.
Some types of seeds last longer than others. For example, onion seeds often only remain viable for a year, while radish seeds can last up to five years - provided they are stored properly.
How long do seeds last?
The lifespan of seeds varies depending on the variety:
- Annual flowers:Usually remain viable for one to three years.
- Perennial flowers:If stored properly, they will last two to four years.
- Vegetable and herb seeds:There are big differences here:
- Alliums(e.g. onions, leeks, chives): Lose their ability to germinate significantly after two to three years.
- Cucurbitaceae(e.g. cucumbers, pumpkins, melons): Can remain viable for up to ten years or longer.
- Leafy vegetables and root vegetables:Remain viable for one to four years, depending on the variety.
- Tomatoes, peppers and cabbage vegetables:Last three to five years.
If you are wondering when is the best time to sow or advance your seeds, here is onepractical instructions with helpful tips.
3 signs that seeds are no longer good
Changed appearance or smell
Seeds that have gone bad may smell musty or have visible damage such as discoloration or mold. You should no longer use such seeds as they will not grow your plants successfully.
Pests and dirt
Seeds that have been attacked by pests such as beetles or moths are unusable. Damp or dirty seeds also indicate that they were stored incorrectly.
Loss of germination
If your seeds are older than two years andIf you are unsure whether they are still germinating, you can do a simple germination test at home. A germination test will help save yourself the hassle of poor germination rates. This is how it works:
- Preparation:Count at least 20 seeds of each variety.
- Place seeds:Place the seeds in a single layer on a damp paper towel and place in a zip-top plastic bag.
- Lettering:Write the variety, number of seeds, and date on the bag with a permanent marker.
- Warmth:Place the bag in a warm place and make sure the paper stays moist.
- Calculate germination rate:After two weeks, count the germinated seeds. Divide this number by the total number and multiply by 100. The result will give you the germination rate in percent. If less than 50% of the seeds germinate, this indicates that their germination ability has decreased significantly.
With these tips and a little patience, you can test your old seeds and bring them back to life.
If you have successfully tested your old seeds, start the gardening season early. Here you will find an overview,which vegetables you can prefer in February.
How to properly store seeds
To properly store seeds, it is crucial to protect them from light, moisture and temperature fluctuations. The ideal storage temperature is around 4 °C, for example in a refrigerator. If this is not possible, a cool, dark place such as a basement or a closet with constant temperatures between 13 and 15 °C will suffice.
Practical tips for storage:
- Pack airtight:Use glass containers with screw-top lids, vacuum-sealed bags, or tight-fitting plastic boxes.
- Keep dry:If you live in an area with high humidity, add a packet of silica gel to the container.
- Keep original packaging:Leave the seeds in their original paper packages. This way you can keep an eye on all important information such as variety and expiry date.
Protection against pests
Seeds can attract pests such as mice, beetles or moths. To protect your seeds, containers should always be tightly closed and stored in a safe place.
Seeds are delicate treasures that can last for several years under the right conditions. With these tips you can store your seeds optimally and enjoy a successful gardening season.
