Do Garden Seeds Have An Expiry Date?
I have been trying to figure out if garden seeds have an expiry date for years already and found no answers.
I do know that old seeds will not germinate.
I compare this to the grain farmers when they do their germination tests.
It seems that their seeds which have just wintered are sometimes very low in germination, but no one seems to know what causes this dilemma! However, I do tend to buy my seeds from reputable seed companies where I personally know these seeds are turned over (bought) at an alarming rate.
I also make sure that they order these same seeds every spring so I am trying to ensure that I have fresh seeds.
I plant my seed from packets that have this year's date printed on them, and check for packs that have a guaranteed germination percentage.
The germination percentage is something I watch closely for because I really don't want to waste my time and money on seeds that will not germinate! In this day and age, most seeds are no longer treated with fungicides.
These fungicides prevents the fungus that causes damping off from destroying your seedlings.
However, because root rot is prevalent here where I live, I may have a problem with damping off.
Captan (an effective fungus killer) is available at most gardening centers.
So I will take a paper match, and dip about one-fourth of it in the captan.
The amount of fungicide that sticks to the match is about the right amount for a small package of seed.
So I will put this bit of captan into the packet along with the seed and shake like crazy.
Now, I can be pretty sure that my seedlings will be safe from damping off and similar problems, such as rotting seeds.
Based on whom you asked as to what seeds grow well in your area, don't be too negative.
If your own favorite tomato variety is not recommended for your area, don't abandon it if it has been doing well for you.
But you might like to experiment with some of the other varieties too.
As far as for testing seed germination I use a small sponge I usually purchase for under $1.
00.
Then I spread about 10 seeds on it.
I make sure the sponge is wet and sometimes I will cover it with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect (or so I call it personally).
Make sure this sponge is kept damp at all times.
Usually in 4 to 10 days, when the seeds have had time to sprout, count the number of seeds that have germinated.
You can assess the germination rate of your seed from there.
What I just described to you was a farmer's method of testing germination, and I have found that it works great for me and my purposes.
You can have this same seed analyzed, but that is costly and time consuming.
So I stick to the old farmer's method and I make out fine.
Are you going to do the seed germination test on your own, or have a company do it for you?
I do know that old seeds will not germinate.
I compare this to the grain farmers when they do their germination tests.
It seems that their seeds which have just wintered are sometimes very low in germination, but no one seems to know what causes this dilemma! However, I do tend to buy my seeds from reputable seed companies where I personally know these seeds are turned over (bought) at an alarming rate.
I also make sure that they order these same seeds every spring so I am trying to ensure that I have fresh seeds.
I plant my seed from packets that have this year's date printed on them, and check for packs that have a guaranteed germination percentage.
The germination percentage is something I watch closely for because I really don't want to waste my time and money on seeds that will not germinate! In this day and age, most seeds are no longer treated with fungicides.
These fungicides prevents the fungus that causes damping off from destroying your seedlings.
However, because root rot is prevalent here where I live, I may have a problem with damping off.
Captan (an effective fungus killer) is available at most gardening centers.
So I will take a paper match, and dip about one-fourth of it in the captan.
The amount of fungicide that sticks to the match is about the right amount for a small package of seed.
So I will put this bit of captan into the packet along with the seed and shake like crazy.
Now, I can be pretty sure that my seedlings will be safe from damping off and similar problems, such as rotting seeds.
Based on whom you asked as to what seeds grow well in your area, don't be too negative.
If your own favorite tomato variety is not recommended for your area, don't abandon it if it has been doing well for you.
But you might like to experiment with some of the other varieties too.
As far as for testing seed germination I use a small sponge I usually purchase for under $1.
00.
Then I spread about 10 seeds on it.
I make sure the sponge is wet and sometimes I will cover it with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect (or so I call it personally).
Make sure this sponge is kept damp at all times.
Usually in 4 to 10 days, when the seeds have had time to sprout, count the number of seeds that have germinated.
You can assess the germination rate of your seed from there.
What I just described to you was a farmer's method of testing germination, and I have found that it works great for me and my purposes.
You can have this same seed analyzed, but that is costly and time consuming.
So I stick to the old farmer's method and I make out fine.
Are you going to do the seed germination test on your own, or have a company do it for you?
Source...