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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: cacran on March 30, 2017, 17:13:11

Title: out of date seeds.
Post by: cacran on March 30, 2017, 17:13:11

I have found a box full of out of date seeds. I wondered if I could test their viability by putting on a damp paper towel. What do you think?

Title: Re: out of date seeds.
Post by: tricia on March 30, 2017, 18:56:32

Definitely! It's my method of preference for all but the smallest seeds. That way I don't use up space with pots of ungerminated seeds!

This year I've had success with seeds from 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015. If you use quite a few of each variety - some are sure to germinate. BTW, peppers take quite a long time, so don't give up too soon.

Tricia :wave:

Title: Re: out of date seeds.
Post by: cacran on March 30, 2017, 19:36:56

Thanks Tricia, I thought I had heard of it being done but was unsure. When or if they germinate, do you use compost specifically for seedlings or is just a bag of  bog standard compost?

Title: Re: out of date seeds.
Post by: tricia on March 30, 2017, 22:31:35

I use a mix of compost, sharp sand and Vermiculite/Perlite initially in modules or 3" pots, then potting on into larger pots of just potting compost once the roots are well established and finally into grow bags or the veggie plot.

Tricia :wave:

Title: Re: out of date seeds.
Post by: Tee Gee on March 30, 2017, 22:49:35

I do this:

http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Seed%20sowing-indoors/Seed%20Sowing%20-%20Indoors.htm (http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Seed%20sowing-indoors/Seed%20Sowing%20-%20Indoors.htm)