skip to main content

Older, but well cared for, seed question.

trowelgal Zone 5A, SW Iowa

14 years ago

Good morning,

Was about to toss thousands of seeds I have stored in plastic baby food containers. They have been stored in my dry basement in a dresser. Wanted to offer them to friends instead of tossing but don't want them to be disappointed in the number that will germinate. I can use the wet paper towel and seed trial to see if they are viable but there is no way I can try so many by this method. Has anyone kept seeds stored carefully for 4 or 5 years and found they were perfectly fine? Are larger seeds like morning glory more viable than tiny ones like Ageratum? Who has had this experience and what were your results? I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

Tina

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

terrene
14 years ago
I store my seeds in one of the refrigerator produce drawers. They are organized in ziploc baggies (NOT closed tightly though as that would seal in moisture) by perennials, annuals, etc. I throw the dessicants leftover from vitamins and packaging into the baggies and drawer.

This method of storage seems to work very well. I have successfully germinated and grown seeds that were from as far back as 1991. I am still using parsley, basil and tomato seeds that are dated 1997 and 1998. Of course some seeds have short lifespans even under ideal storage.

Maybe you could test a few of the seeds and see what kind of germination you get? If the samples do well, then probably most of the seeds will too.
dirtbert
14 years ago
A few years ago I wintersowed a lot of left over seeds I had accumumlated over the years. Many were 8-10 years old. Some did great, others not so much. I distinctly remember the poppies doing really well.

I definitely think they are worth sharing, just let the receiver of the seeds know they are older and my have low germination rates. Free is free, so no one can complain about that.
Related Discussions
have: re: older seeds for sasbe
Q
Comments (2)
I'm lucky, received the seeds and already sowed some of them :) Thank you Melinda! Greatly appreciated. Get well.
...See More
question on older seed
Q
Comments (2)
Hi DarkLadySlipper, It is indeed worth the effort, particularly if the seed is from a special plant. Otherwise, you may be just as well off to obtain some fresh seed in a few months from now. Fresh seed is certainly best, but a year or so old is not a significant time to give up hope. Your germination results may still be good, particularly if the seed was stored properly. Even dry stored seed may remain viable for this length of time. I frequently have some seed that germinate the second year after planting. Of course, in this situation, the seeds have gone through a double stratification process and have been kept moist for much of that time. It is commonly (and properly) assumed that seed should be kept moist and sown as fresh as possible, but this is not the only possible method (keep in mind that in the wild seed may be in very dry conditions for a significant portion of the year prior to germination). Good luck. Joseph
...See More
Top 25ers that you really don't care for?
Q
Comments (54)
Thanks, Faye, you are all heart! HAHA. Something about Regal Splendor reminds me of Sagae, perhaps its that energetic flip of the margin area, but it has a lot of energy IMHO. I like the look, that is certain. Okay, I feel my arm twisted, it goes on the list for maybe a short order that needs beefing out. I still have one to place, with Van Wade. And a make-up order to replace the Sugar Snap that my doxie Dolly ate (and then threw up), from the Solberg new arrivals. And Tepelus, your Praying Hands looks great in that pot with Creeping Jenny and surrounded by orphans. Sure hope it comes back for you.
...See More
Winter Sowing Seed Exchange FAQs ~ Can I trade older seeds?
Q
Comments (0)
As long as your older seeds have been kept away from severe fluctuations of temperature and/or stored away from direct sunlight they'll be fine. Many seeds can last for several, several years. What you can do is that when you post your list of seeds put a little note into your post to let the traders know how well the seeds have been cared for by being stored well, and put the collection year next to the plant name. The other traders will know from the very beginning that they're trading for older seeds. That will be good way to post your seeds.
...See More
trowelgal Zone 5A, SW Iowa
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks to both of you for your response. I will offer them and tell people they are older seeds and to sow heavily. Free is free is a good way to put it. Tina

Related Stories

Houzz Interview: Miss Mustard Seed’s Charming Pennsylvania Home

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

GARDENING GUIDES How to Plant a New Lawn From Seed

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Choose from more grass varieties and save money over sod by starting your lawn from seed

GARDENING GUIDES Seeds or Seedlings? How to Get Your Garden Started

By Abundant City

Growing delicious herbs and vegetables starts with knowing your goals and when you want to plant

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Exuberant Self-Seeders for Gorgeous, Easy-Care Gardens

By Donald Pell - Gardens

Keep weeds down, color high and maintenance low with beautful plants that sow themselves

DESIGN FOR GOOD At-Risk Teens Get a Well-Designed Home and Real Hope

By Annie Thornton

Designers and other volunteers create an apartment to keep older foster kids off the streets, off drugs and on a path to a better life

BATHROOM COLOR 8 Ways to Spruce Up an Older Bathroom (Without Remodeling)

By Liz Miller Interiors

Mint tiles got you feeling blue? Don’t demolish — distract the eye by updating small details

LIGHTING 5 Questions to Ask for the Best Room Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Get your overhead, task and accent lighting right for decorative beauty, less eyestrain and a focus exactly where you want

GARDENING GUIDES No-Regret Plants: 5 Questions Smart Shoppers Ask

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Quit wasting money and time at the garden center. This checklist will ensure that the plants you're eyeing will stick around in your yard

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Kitchen Pantry

By Susan Redman

Avoid blunders and get the storage space and layout you need by asking these questions before you begin

Sponsored