[gremlin]

Seed packets have a use-by date generally at least two or three years - (even parsnips.)  
Even so they don't all fail to grow after that date. As they get older you just need to sow more.  

I have been clearing out a cardboard box of old seeds this year, but rather than throw them away I have been giving them a chance to chit.  Seed was stored at room temperature, or "back of cupboard" temperature, - which I know is all wrong.

Tomato seeds:-
2008 seed - 10% germination
2001 seed - 40% germination,
1998 and 1999 seed is dead.  
I still have a packet of 1996 seed to try.....who knows?

2002 & 2003 pea seed (Champion of England) - about 50% germination, which is not much worse than my saved 1 year old seed.

1998 crimson flowered broad bean - about 10% germination.

2001 French Bean (Trail of Tears) - 20%


(and in a follow up to my other post- 2012 aubergine seed have finally germinated after five weeks (!) at a constant 24-26 C next to a hot water tank)

[GrannieAnnie]

Most likely that - but i like to think there are hundreds of people sat there with that id ready to answer!!!  

There is only 1 DD  !!!   :DAs to seeds, John and Val gave me a couple of packets of parsnip seeds 2 years old unopened, but it doesn't look like any of them are going to germinate, likewise the roughly 6 year old leek seeds that Shaun sent me. 

But I have so far 50% germination on the 6 year old aubergine seeds!   

[richrua]

funny enough i found a packet of kale seeds dated sow by 2002 and a packet of red cabbage from 2004 (45p from l i d l) . . . so for the craic i sowed some back in jan. all germinated. i now havee 8 healthy kale and 12 red cabbage growing on nicely in pots.