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It depends on the type of seeds and how they were stored. If your seeds were kept in a cool, dry place, there's a good chance they're still viable, but expect a lower germination rate - exactly how low depends on the species. Seed corn is best used the current year (after that germination is greatly reduced), but tomato seeds can last for more than four years if stored well. Seeds for some perennials seem to last forever while some such as delphinium must be sown shortly after harvest. Annuals such as cosmos, marigolds, petunia and stock can last for several years. Parsley has to be sown right away.
The germination rate continues to decrease over time until eventually you're better off buying new seed so you're not wasting garden space, energy and time. To test your seeds, space several out on a few layers of moist paper towels, roll up so that the seeds don't touch, and enclose the bundle in plastic wrap so it doesn't dry out. Place in a warm bright location (65 to 70 degrees is fine) but away from direct sun. Check the seeds every couple of days. If they haven't germinated - or only a few have sprouted - in a couple of weeks, chances are they're no good. If you prefer just throwing caution to the winds and not testing the seeds, be sure to sow more heavily to make up for lower germination rates.
Vegetable seed viability
beans - 3 years
beets - 2 years
carrots - 3 years
corn - 2 years
cucumbers - 5 years
lettuce - 3 years
peas - 3 years
peppers - 2 years
pumpkins - 4 years
radishes - 5 years
spinach - 5 years
tomato - 4 years
watermelon - 4 years
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoAfter a few years they will get pretty stale, but they won't expire
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What makes a vegetable a vegetable?
USDA a vegetable is classified as a vegetable by the way it grows.
Is ruebarb a fruit or vegetable?
Rhubarb is a vegetable as it has no seeds. If it has got seeds, it is a fruit.
Is a endive a vegetable?
if it has seeds then its a fruit if theres no seeds at all inside it then its a vegetable.u think a tomato is a vegetable.no its a fruit because it has seeds in it.
Is anything with seeds a vegetable?
Anything with seeds is a fruit; not a vegetable. Apples, bananas, tomatoes, oranges, grapes: has seeds; fruit. Carrots, potatoes, cabbage: no seeds; vagetable.
Is an animal a vegetable?
No. Vegetables natural foods with no seeds. For example- broccoli is a vegetable because the actual vegetable has no seeds inside. a fruit- like an apple- has seeds inside. Hope this helps! -Megan
Eggplant fruit or vegetable?
Although commonly thought of as a vegetable, an eggplant is actually a fruit. This is because it has seeds and comes from a flowering plant, as opposed to a root or stem.
What fruit or vegetable's have seeds?
butternut squash for the vegetable and for the fruit an orange, cantaloupe or an apple All fruit and vegetables have seeds.
Why is corn a vegetable and not a fruit?
anything that has seeds or is a seed is classified as a vegetable
Is ladys finger a fruit or vegetable?
It is a fruit
Are peas a root vegetable?
No, they are seeds.
How do you start a vegetable garden in June?
by seeds
Can tomato seeds grow with vegetable oil?
No.
