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
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
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.
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!)
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
thanks TG and Cleo.