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+--- Thread: Old seeds (/showthread.php?tid=667)
Old seeds - Spec - 23-11-2020
Having read Veggie's thread about 2,000 year old dates (I think she placed them in a box and forgot about them) and I am sure there is a reference to an exhibition strain of onions coming from a packet of seeds that was in a jacket pocket for 7 years, made me wonder how many gardeners have had good results from seeds which have been well past their best by date, personally I haven't a clue as I don't keep records of seed sowing etc. but perhaps you have, or have heard of good results from old seed, if so please tell.
RE: Old seeds - Veggie - 23-11-2020
Tomato and bean seeds are quite vigorous, well after their sow by dates.
RE: Old seeds - Mark_Riga - 26-11-2020
According to Lawrence D. Hills, pumpkin, courgette and cucumber seeds should keep for 6 or 7 years with old seed reputed to have a higher proportion of female flowers.
RE: Old seeds - Small chilli - 26-11-2020
This is a good list
https://www.realseeds.co.uk/seedlife.html
RE: Old seeds - Can the Man - 27-11-2020
I had problems with DFB’s not growing from seeds that were about 3-4 year old, threw them out and bought fresh seed which grew late in the season just gone.
I have successfully sowed peas that were easily 4-5 year old, just steep tnem in water overnight put them sitting on some damp potting compost and watch for the little tails, success rate about 80% sprouting all sprouted plants grew.