Will 20 year old seeds grow?
Some old seeds will stay good and germinate for up to 5 years or longer, while others are only viable for a year or two. On average, old seeds will still sprout for about three to four years after their “packed for” date – especially if they’re stored in ideal conditions. The lifespan of heirloom seeds depends on the type of seed. Some seeds can remain viable for several years, while others may last 10-15 years or even longer. Proper storage is vital in ensuring that your seeds stay in optimal condition and have a high germination rate.Heirloom seeds stored this way will last for 3-5 years. For longer storage, place the jar in the refrigerator and the seeds should be good for 10-15 years. For very long-term storage, the jar should be placed into a freezer and the seeds will remain viable for decades.How long do seeds usually last? When stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, seeds for many garden vegetables will be viable for around 3 years. Some, like onions and parsnips, are viable for only a year or two. Others, like squashes and tomatoes, last longer, for 5+ years.Some old seeds will stay good and germinate for up to 5 years or longer, while others are only viable for a year or two. On average, old seeds will still sprout for about three to four years after their “packed for” date – especially if they’re stored in ideal conditions.
Can I use 10 year old seeds?
Seeds that have been stored in a cool, dry place are generally viable for at least a year past the season for which they were packaged and may be good for up to five years. Basic storage is Cool, Dry and Dark. Seed life can be maximized by Freezing – which will increase shelf life 4-5 times.The two factors that reduce the life of the seed are moisture and warmth. Moisture is probably the most important factor that needs to be controlled. A dry seed will last much longer at room temperature than a moist seed in the fridge. Cool and dry are the two ideals for most of the seed we are concerned with.Seed Storage Tip 1: Maintain Cool Conditions Freezing isn’t necessary for short-term storage, but you can refrigerate seeds, provided they—and your refrigerator—are sufficiently dry. Freezing seeds with any remaining moisture can result in frost damage.Other seeds, including beans, carrots lettuce, peas, radishes, snapdragon, cosmos, sweet William and zinnia will remain viable (capable of germinating) for 3-5 years. Seeds need to be kept cool, dark and dry so that they retain stored carbohydrates and minimize fungal infection.