How long are seeds good?

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Posted by ajsmama 5b (NW CT) (My Page) on

Thu, Mar 8, 12 at 17:16

I was looking for plastic tags in my garage (no luck, I *know* I bought some last year!) so I could start seeds. I still have some pepper, squash and tomato seeds from last year as well as edamame.

I found squash, carrot, sugar snap and snow peas ranging from 2007 to Nov 2010. Are any of these still good? Went through a range of temps in the garage, where DH had stuck them in a cabinet (also had latex paint in there, I know *that's* no good any more after freezing!).

Don't know whether I should even try soaking the peas, or germinating the others on paper towels.

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RE: How long are seeds good?

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Posted by digdirt 6 -7 AR (My Page) on
Thu, Mar 8, 12 at 18:12

Had they been properly stored, sure they'd still be good. This is a common question on the Saving Seed, Growing from Seed, and the Vegetable Gardening forum and many report using seeds much older than that regularly. Try the search.

Given the storage these had the only way to know is to do the standard germination test on them.

Dave

RE: How long are seeds good?

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Posted by eahamel 9a (My Page) on
Sat, Mar 10, 12 at 15:36

Most seeds will be good for several years at least, if they are kept from high temperatures. I keep mine either in the refrigerator or in a filing cabinet drawer. Exceptions are onions and carrots, which don't remain viable more than 2 or 3 years. Don't toss them. I've had some surprises, with seeds about 15 years old sprouting (tomatoes & peppers).

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