Single hen

[xChicken04x]

Hi Guys, have any of you ever planted veg seeds past their use-by dates and had any success?

 

I have pea and broad bean seeds from last year that were supposed to be planted by '2008.' But I didn't get round to it.

I know your first thought would be to plant them and see how they go, but I don't really have the space to be planting veg that might not grow.

 

Any thoughts?

Edited March 20, 2009 by Guest

[chickenanne]

I've done this fairly often, and it really is pot luck what comes up - all mine are stored in airtight containers in cool dark palces etc, and still some will germinate, some packets won't!

My oldest was a use by 2003 packet which came up fine last year, as I say, some just don't come up.

 

I think big seeds should last better than small ones, and those with thick seedcoats should last better.

 

If you're worried, try planting some out in pots on a warm windowledge: they should germinate quicker so you can see if the packet is still good or not, and you'll have lost only 10 or so days growing time if they don't come up and you need to re-sow with a new packet: which shouldn't matter much.

 

Alternatively, if you're banned from growing any more seeds in the house by a mean OH (mine is horrible to me! Objecting to lots of seed on every available windowsill space in teh house...! Tsk!) buy a fresh packet - a packet of seeds isn't expensive really and it is so disappointing when things don't do well becuase they don't go in in time.

[Valkyrie]

Frequently! The only thing that looks like it won't be doing anything this year is a packet of cauli seeds that must be around 6-8 years old now. The only thing I buy new every year is parsnip seed. You can usually tell when seeds are on their way out, the germination rate gets very low, then it's time to get some more.

[moochoo]

Why not try germinating them on some damp kitchen roll in the airing cupboard? If they don't sprout you haven't wasted anything. If they do you can pot them up.

[TAJ]

Germination rates may be a bit lower, but I have had success with 'old' seed in the past.

 

Tracy