Old Seeds

My bil sent me a box full of seeds that he found in a cupboard, but they are all out of date by at least 3 years, some 5. They are Suttons, if that makes a difference. Has anyone had success with old seeds? I don't want to rely on them as a sole source of vegetables for my garden, but wasn't even sure whether they were worth bothering with. I know I've tried to grow some seeds, which were, in theory, in date but nearly too old, and they've failed.
Thanks :thumb:

 

.

Hi,
If they are in sealed packs there should be no problem with germination!

If not, the only way is to give them a try, if they do not germinate within a week dump them as you would only be wasting germination time.

And buy some fresh packs!

Parsnips have poor germination the next season once the pack has been opened, and also they have a very long germination period, so don't bother with any parsnip seeds.

Cheers!

 

different for all seeds eg onions keep for years and years parsnips only a couple a best. I did find a site that gave viability in years (estimates of course and dependant on storage method) Lost adress in computor disaster, when i get a min ill try and find it and post a link.

 

Liz, sow them, they have 2 chances.:gnthb::D

 

I say go for it. Definitely worth bothering with. Give 'em a chance

 

Hi,

I've found a couple of websites here and here that are the sort of thing theplantman mentioned. I hope they can be of help.

Matthew

 

In addition to Matthews websites you could also try this one, even though i think it will probably give you the same info.

Simon