Thompson & Morgan seed

Just an observation, I sowed 11 different agastache varieties from various companies on the 3rd of Feb, 8 have germinated so I've just checked my book to see which have yet to germinate and all 3 are from Thompson & Morgan.

 

If you still have the packs , it should show the packing date.

 

How long are most seeds viable for? I found some in an envelope in a drawer the other day. They are at least 3 years old and I have no idea what they are. Probably not worth planting?

 

Have looked front and back unless I'm missing something there's no date, I remember the seeds were just in the packet as well, not in a sealed packet inside like the rest.

 

I think the packing date is usually on the folded bit at the top that we always tear off...

 

@CarolineL thanks for your reply, the packets didn't have a fold downbit like I'm used to, they were sealed on all four sides with a foil interior, i had to use scissors to open them, I don't know if that's normal for Thompson & Morgan seed packets, but I haven't given up on them yet.

 

T&M used to be top class and their catalogue was like a gardening encyclopedea. Strange how times change. On the early 80's many of our UK nurseries etc were being bought up by europe, and many cheapy firms began advertisong such as Bakkers rtc. Now the tables have turned and I believe T&M have now takenover Bakkers.

Regarding the life expectancy of seeds. As a quickie, the internet has plenty of info. Basically much depends upon how the seed has been stored, it's pre-storage preparation, for instance some seed especially what we might call, pops or stones. If any fruit substance remains intact then this can lead to many problems. Thinking along the lines of the Millenium Seed Bank. Millions of pounds have gone into providing what may be thought the right conditions of saving seed.

Here in the UK and the US. Very strict rules and legislation exist regarding seed preservation.

As I so often imply in my scribblings. Gardening is IMO a multi educational adventuer. So much to learn and so many surprises. Perhaps you may decide to specialize in a particular seed variety. Take the primrose family. These seeds can be very hit and miss at times. I am a member of the AGS so I can get a lot of seed. I have sown very fine seed and it's a toss-up what germinates. However perhaps I have kept the pots or trays, then suddenly I notice tiny seedlings, also when recycling compost, often seedling appear and check against my records I perhaps find that I sowed those seed six years a go. So who can really say what the life of a seed is.

 

I've found that the more expensive T&M seeds are, and the fewer there are in the packet, the less chance they'll germinate.

 

It bewilders me, the prices they charge
The only t&m seeds I use now are free with magazines