Which 'out of date' vegetable seeds don't germinate

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wbmkk

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Which 'out of date' vegetable seeds don't germinate
« on: March 09, 2025, 17:17 »
I've just opened my tin of seeds for the new year and notice many are dated 2022.

I know parsley / parsnip seeds have to be fresh to germinate .. and even then, they can be a bit temperamental.

What other vegetable seeds wouldn't be worth sowing, 3 years out of date ?

thank you

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Subversive_plot

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Re: Which 'out of date' vegetable seeds don't germinate
« Reply #1 on: March 09, 2025, 20:14 »
More type of seeds than not will still germinate at 3 years old.  The germination rate will be lower for some. Seed stored too warm or not dry enough will have difficulty germinating.

Lettuce that old will be temperamental germinating, but some will still grow.
"Somewhere between right and wrong, there is a garden. I will meet you there."~ Rumi

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Potty Plotty Lotty

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Re: Which 'out of date' vegetable seeds don't germinate
« Reply #2 on: March 09, 2025, 20:36 »
For me it's just parsnips that I would always use fresh seed for as far as "conventional" veg goes. I find with parsley warmth and patience is the key to get it to germinate.

For smaller seeds e.g. lettuce, beetroot, spring onions, carrots, just sow more thickly to take into account any reduced germination rate.

I tend to chit larger seeds anyway (see separate thread) so you quickly get an idea of viability. You could always try this now on any you are concerned about. That would give you plenty of time to purchase replacements if necessary.

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Alank

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Re: Which 'out of date' vegetable seeds don't germinate
« Reply #3 on: March 10, 2025, 19:03 »
Sow a few of each type into a seed tray and germinate them indoors where its warm you may be pleasantly surprised  :D
Most seeds are quite resilient and will still germinate when we'll out of date as long as they haven't been stored in a damp environment.

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wbmkk

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Re: Which 'out of date' vegetable seeds don't germinate
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2025, 18:43 »
OP here ... thank you for the replies


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