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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
What else can I help you with?
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.
How long do sunflower seeds last before they expire?
Sunflower seeds typically last for about 6-12 months before they expire, depending on how they are stored.
How long will sunflower seeds last before they expire?
Sunflower seeds can last up to a year before they expire if stored in a cool, dry place.
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
How long does chia seeds last before they expire?
Chia seeds can last up to 2-4 years before they expire if stored in a cool, dry place.
How long do chia seeds last before they expire?
Chia seeds can last up to 2-4 years before they expire if stored in a cool, dry place.
How long are sunflower seeds good for before they expire?
Sunflower seeds are typically good for up to one year before they expire if stored in a cool, dry place.
How long do papaya seeds last before they expire?
Papaya seeds can last up to 4 years before they expire if stored properly in a cool, dry place.
How long do raw sunflower seeds last before they expire?
Raw sunflower seeds can last up to a year before they expire if stored in a cool, dry place.
