- With proper storage, the seeds of some common vegetables can be planted for up to five years after the production year, with a fairly high germination rate. For instance, seeds of the cabbage family, squash family, pumpkins, peas, beans, tomatoes, beets, carrots, greens like lettuce and spinach, melons, eggplant and cucumbers can keep for three to six years. Other vegetable seeds are perishable. Seeds of the onion family, corn, parsley, peppers and parsnips will mostly be dead if not planted within two years. Popular flower seeds that can keep for four to five years include carnation, nasturtium, chrysanthemum, zinnia, ranunculus and poppy. Short-lived flower seeds -- 1 to 2 years -- include geranium, heliotrope, verbena, violet, sweet William, delphinium, coleus and gerbera daisy.
- If you have seed more than 1 year old, you should test it for viability before planting. A simple germination test involves taking 10 seeds from your old packet and placing them on a damp, folded paper towel. Put the towel and seeds in a zip-type plastic sandwich bag and seal. Label the bag with date and seed type. Leave the bag out at room temperature for a week to 10 days, then count the number of seeds that sprouted. If eight to 10 sprout, you have good seed. If six or seven sprout, the seed is poor, but will still be usable if sown more thickly. If five or fewer sprout, discard the seed. It will produce only sickly plants if anything grows at all. .
- If you plan on storing seed for future use, it needs proper preparation. Seed should be dried to about 8 percent moisture content. You can achieve this by drying at 100 degrees Fahrenheit for around six hours. You can get to this temperature by spreading the seed out in direct sun, or by placing the seed in an oven set to warm with the door open. Put dried seed in a moisture-proof airtight glass, metal or plastic container.
- A seed is a complex package of dormant life designed by nature to carry the plant species through winter and other adverse climate conditions, until conditions are right for sprouting. Proper storage can help the seed live longer. Store seeds in a dark place at 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and 25 to 35 percent humidity. If moisture condenses inside your storage container, you need to take the seed out and dry it some more, to avoid mold. To combat insect pests, sprinkle a few pinches of diatomaceous earth over your seed and shake well. Combat rodents by keeping your seeds in a metal or plastic container with tight-fitting lid.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -