How long will store-bought seeds last?

PDX Mommy · 04-14-2012, 04:41 PM

I found a few packages of alyssum from 2006.

I also have some gladiolus bulbs and wildflower seeds. Not sure if I have room for everything, but I could pass them onto my dad, who is in need of flowers.

Macky · 04-14-2012, 07:58 PM

Depends on the seed and how it was stored. They've successfully grown grains found in the pyramids of Egypt. You can do a germination test to see. Put a few seeds on a wet paper towel, fold it up lightly, stick it in a plastic baggie and set it in a warm place. I set them on top of my shop (grow) lights. Check periodically to see how many sprout. Divide the number of sprouts you get by the number you put on the paper towel to get your germination rate (percentage).

04-14-2012, 04:41 PM	#1
PDX Mommy Rose Trellis Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,126	How long will store-bought seeds last? I found a few packages of alyssum from 2006. I also have some gladiolus bulbs and wildflower seeds. Not sure if I have room for everything, but I could pass them onto my dad, who is in need of flowers. __________________ Carrie ~ ISFJ Evan ~ February 2008 Joshua ~ November 2009

04-14-2012, 07:58 PM	#2
Macky Deactivated Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Rural Saskatchewan Posts: 4,449	Re: How long will store-bought seeds last? Depends on the seed and how it was stored. They've successfully grown grains found in the pyramids of Egypt. You can do a germination test to see. Put a few seeds on a wet paper towel, fold it up lightly, stick it in a plastic baggie and set it in a warm place. I set them on top of my shop (grow) lights. Check periodically to see how many sprout. Divide the number of sprouts you get by the number you put on the paper towel to get your germination rate (percentage).

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