Topic: How long can you keep seeds

[adam apple]

Just wondering how long you can keep seeds. Its just i found some peas in a cupboard, they are a year old i reckon.

[manicscousers]

we're still using some 4 yr old seeds, less germinate but I always try sowing some to try them  :)

[tonybloke]

here's a couple of links
http://faculty.matcmadison.edu/mchristoffel/plants/seeds/viability.htm
http://lagarden.blogspot.com/2008/01/common-seed-viability.html

hope these help? ;)
welcome to the site!

[saddad]

Peas are good for 4-5 years... before germination starts to drop...  ;D

[Larkshall]

It depends on the species, Lettuce may not survive beyond one year, whereas brassica's and Turnips (like Charlock) will survive for up to 7 years in the ground because the seed coat is very oily.

[kt.]

Welcome Adam apple.  I will be intrigued with this topic.  I usually only keep my seed until the packet says they have expired.  Never kept my own fruit and veg seed. Not sure how really so will stick to buying for now I guess.

[Robert_Brenchley]

A lot will depend on how they've ben stored, but try them and see. If you chit them on damp paper, you can pick out the live ones after a couple of days, as the roots come through.

[telboy]

In my experience, some seed such as beetroot/parsnip/carrot lose germination capacity after a year.
Brassica seeds keep for years if frozen in a plastic container with a sache of silica gel.
I find peas/beans germinate OK for a few years if stored in a cool dry place.
Best of luck!