Allotments 4 All
Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Mimi on March 15, 2004, 17:10:26
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I have just started off some of the seeds I got from an auction site. I have too many seeds for my use but dont want to swap just yet (in case of failures) So I just wanted to know how long I can expect to keep the seeds before they become useless. The seeds are for Jacaranda and Datura. Any advice would be a help. Thanks
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mimi, I think I read somewhere that most seeds are viable (so long as they are kept correctly) for 3-4 years, except parsnips which you have to have new every year. If I am wrong I am sure I shall be corrected! ;D DP
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I keep excess seed in their packets in a sealed plastic container with a perforated sachet of Silica Gel to keep dry. Stick this in the freezer. Except for certain seeds parsnip/beetroot/ sweet corn for example, they stay in good condition for years. Brassica seed particularly.
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I hope you mean 'fridge' tubs not 'freezer
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do sweetcorn seeds not last then? I was hoping to sow the ones I had left over from last year. Don't tell me I'm going to have to buy yet more seeds (unless it's true!)
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Some seeds are more viable than others, and as has already been said it depends upon 'how they are kept'
Datura & Jacaranda;.... Datura is quite a hard seed as I recall, so I think it should be OK in second year. I don't know anything about Jacaranda.
Sweet Corn should be OK.
My method of sowing/storing.
If the packets contain more seed than I require I sow as follows;
Year 1; I sow about a third of a packet, and more often that not I get fairly good germination.
Year 2; I sow the other two thirds, and assuming I only get 50% germination this is similar to the year before.
There are some seeds that I have had for three or four years. These are generally fairly large seeds that I sow individually so don't use as many each year.
These are generally brassicas, so in succeeding years I always sow a few more than I need to allow for poorer germination results.
e.g. year 1=12 seed >>> year 2=20 seed >>>year 3=30 seed in the hope of getting 10 each year, and it works pretty well!
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Sweet corn will be fine the second year.
Stephan
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thanks TG and Cleo.