Old seeds - will they still grow?

Question

I've got some old seeds, packed for 1996. They're a decade old... but I thought I'd try and see if they'll still sprout. Is it worth the time (and, heh, the water) to try it? Any tips or suggestions?

Answer 1

Maybe. Some seeds remain viable for decades, even centuries; many seeds lose their life after a year or two.

Depending on what seeds you've got in your package, they may come up.

Simply follow the instructions on the packet as if the seeds were this years. If they're any good, they'll pop right up; if not, tilling a bit of micromulch into your soil won't do it any harm!

Answer 2

Depends on how they were stored cool and dry could be as much a 1600 years

A simple thing is take a paper towel, fold it in 1/2 place 1/2 of it on a saucer. Add 10 seeds to the 1/2 thats on the saucer
fold the top 1/2 over the top, Moisten, place the dish on your TV cable/dish box . Add moisture 2x a day After about 5 days start looking for just barely started roots

In theroy, the # of seeds that start can give you a rough germination rate IE if 5 out of 10 start, Odds are you can ger a 50% grmination rate.

Those that the roots start can be transfered to some seed starting medium

Answer 3

I do not think they would grow after about two years. if you notice on the pkg of seeds they usually say packed for a certain year. I have tried this myself to see if some would grow --Wasted time and water. They never came out of the ground. Water is a precious commodity here in the South right now--so use only water you know will be appreciated. The dead don't need water. Throw the seeds away and get seeds packed for the current year.

Answer 4

Seeds have sprouted that were in pyramids.

Answer 5

*Maybe*...

Some seeds "store" well, some don't.

If you want to try, good-luck.