[Vegswap]

Hi, I've been given some out of date seeds -some as long ago as 2002. I've been told that seeds last 20 years or more. Is this true? Is there any point planting my out of date seeds?

[Stripey_cat]

It depends on what the seed is!  Some things will still be viable after a decade; others need planting the same autumn they're harvested.  There's a list of vegetable seeds somewhere in the articles on this site.  Even if they're something that the viability drops off, you'll lose nothing by bunging them in somewhere, so long as you still have time to resow later if they do fail.

[Val H]

http://www.allotment-garden.org/vegetable/general/seed-storage-life.php. This will give you an idea on how long they are viable.

[Vegswap]

Thanks -most of my seeds seem to be viable according to the linky ou sent me -despite the plant date being much shorter on the packet. I suppose its like best before dates on food!

[george007]

apparantly carrot seeds aren't to good after a year.

and pea and bean weevils can be dormant in your bean seeds
if kept in warm conditions  they can ruin your seeds

my poor broad beans are under attack right now

[celjaci]

The life of seeds also depends on how they are stored - in the greenhouse getting cooked or outside getting damp shortens the life drastically.

Best place for left over seeds is in a air-tight box in the fridge
 
most will last for last for years past the 'sow by' date although germination levels may drop -you could just sow a few more.

With the price of seeds it's worth hanging on to the left overs

[DD.]

apparantly carrot seeds aren't to good after a year.

Carrots are OK for a few years. It's parsnips you have to be wary of and they're not the easiest of things from fresh seed.

[sunshineband]

http://www.allotment-garden.org/vegetable/general/seed-storage-life.php. This will give you an idea on how long they are viable.

Thankns for pointing me towards this Val -- I shall sow my elderly radish seed with confidence later this week (eaten all the first lot and second lot on the way -- need more supplies to bribe the children with  as an awful lot of lettuce to transplant