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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Aussie Chick on October 28, 2005, 15:01:07

Title: Out of date Seeds.
Post by: Aussie Chick on October 28, 2005, 15:01:07
Just wondering if you all bother to plant out of date seeds. I've got a few packs that have use by date Aug 05 and Dec 05 but I also have one that is 2003!

I'd like to use them up but don't want to risk all the hard work for no germination or poor plants. Any advice welcome.  ::)
Title: Re: Out of date Seeds.
Post by: Anne Robertson on October 28, 2005, 16:00:55
I'm still using 12 year old courgette seeds with great success. ;D
I would try germinating them on damp kitchen roll first then you're not wasting compost/soil. I do believe that parsnip seeds need to be fresh though.
Title: Re: Out of date Seeds.
Post by: Aussie Chick on October 28, 2005, 16:45:02
Thanks. I have also heard that Sweet corn needs to be fresh. 
Title: Re: Out of date Seeds.
Post by: adam04 on October 28, 2005, 17:11:15
most seeds that cant be used after their best before date go mouldy. such as Sweetcorn and carrots. any that arnt mouldy should be ok.
Title: Re: Out of date Seeds.
Post by: the_snail on October 28, 2005, 20:34:38
If stored in the right conditions, which are cold dark places eg refrigarator then they will store indefinatly. I have grown lettuce seeds last year that where from 1992. It was a sparce germanation in a propergator but some did germinate. If yours are old I would start them off indoors to help them out. Always have a fresh backup just incase.


The_Snail
Title: Re: Out of date Seeds.
Post by: Aussie Chick on October 28, 2005, 22:09:21
wow from 1992, thats impressive!

I'll give them all a go now. thanks.