It really depends on what they are. Some seeds are only viable for a few weeks, while others can last for tens or even hundreds of years. If they are for perennials, they will probably be good until next year. Annuals tend not to last as long, but if you keep them in the fridge, you should still get enough germinating to make it worth keeping them. Herbs and veggies can be all over the map when it comes to longevity. Onion and allium relatives don't keep that well, lettuce and many other greens are also short lived, but tomatoes, eggplants and peppers can last for many years. In any event, keep them and give them a try. I found some lettuce seeds once that were at least six years old, and I had a germination rate of at least 50%. I've also had one year old tomato seeds fail. You never know :-) Next year I would start at least some of the seeds in a wet coffee filter (placed in a ziplock baggie). Check daily, and transfer any germinating seeds to your seed trays. This way you can see what the germination rate is like, and if it is a complete failure, you will know early on and have time to buy some new seeds. BP

With the exception of the chives, most all seeds, assuming well dried before stored, will last for years. The seeds you buy marked "packed for 2008" were harvested, dried, and stored in 2007 (or earlier sometimes). ;) Room temperature is fine or you can freeze or refrigerate the packets. I store mine in a glass jar in the freezer and get excellent germination rates even after 5 years. And seeds as old as 20 years have been germinated and grown by others. Chives can be picky about germination but year old seeds should still give you good germination. After a year they fall off germinating rather quickly I have found. Dave

If you are talking about tomato seeds (many discussions here about this the search will pull up) cool dry storage is easily good for 5-10 years. Even longer has been posted by many in the past up to and including 25 years. The Seed Saving forum has a good FAQ about how to best store seeds. Personally I have fridge stored seeds (in paper) that are still highly viable past 10 years - used some '94 and '96 dated ones this year. Many professional seed savers prefer paper envelopes over plastic since plastic can trap moisture inside. Dave

Hi Stu.. Plant the seeds and get them growing.. I agree!!! I have heard.. ummhmmm, ;-) Emily ... having great success with her seedlings blooming after one year.. ( If I'm not mistaken ). She lives down in Texas and she has great weather, but most would say 3-4 years on average for seedlings to bloom. You are correct so many factors .. Location, soil, water, sunlight all play a role in how your seedlings will grow and bloom. Good luck!! Laura