seed viability

[tonybloke]

You and Yours radio show (R4)
   

Poor germination rates

Research published today by Which? Gardening magazine shows that in some instances up to seventy three percent of some seeds tested in their laboratories failed to grow – a figure which falls way short of minimum legal standards.
did anyone else hear this?
listen again via
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/youandyours/items/03/2009_39_fri.shtml

[tonybloke]

[grawrc]

I'm not surprised to hear that. I sowed some carrot and fennel seeds at the end of July and hardly any have germinated. New seed too. (I'll add the rest to the seed swap!! ;D ;D)


Only kidding!!!

[caroline7758]

Tried to listen to it just now but just got a message saying "sorry we can't bring you the programme you requested". >:(

[Rhubarb Thrasher]

they had the same thing last year or the year before. It's on here somewhere

[caroline7758]

Ok, just got it on i-player! Good publicity for Nicky's Nursery- shamethey didn't do more naming and shaming!

[Eristic]

All the more reason to save your own. Germination of less than 30% indicates that the seed could be 5-10 years old before you even get it.