Seed corn and seed okra question?

Question

How long can both corn and okra seed be stored and still germinate? what are the ideal conditions should they be stored in , tempature ect?

Answer 1

Dry and cool.....airtight is helpful but only if dry to start! Of course time will vary with how it's been stored.

Corn, 2 years is about it, sorry. Okra might be longer due to hard seed coat! Look at the seed. If it is normally round and plump, if it is shriveled, forget it. If shriveled to begin with, like so many sweet corns, it better not be "more shriveled."

Of course test before you plant! Take several layers of paper towel and moisten. Put at least 10 seeds on to the paper, roll it up and put into a plastic bag and set in warm spot. After a few days check for germination by unrolling. After 2 weeks or so you should have a good idea what % will germinate. Then it's up to you whether to plant or not.

Answer 2

I store most seeds in air-tight containers in the freezer. The corn seed is still viable for years.
Do a germination test each year before planting to insure a good stand after planting.