Should You Plant Out-of-Date Seeds? Gardening Experts Weigh In
As spring approaches, countless gardeners are rummaging through old seed packets, questioning whether those past their 'sow by' date are worth the risk. While seeds do degrade over time, experts offer practical advice to maximise your chances of success.
Expert Opinions on Seed Viability
Grow-your-own expert Huw Richards, a renowned author and YouTuber with over 750,000 subscribers who collaborates with Gardena, embraces risk in gardening. "Seed packets are just guidelines. At the end of the day, a seed either wants to grow or it doesn't," he asserts.
Richards compares seed dates to supermarket labels: "It's a bit like what's happened with supermarkets, so they've got rid of a lot of best-before dates for vegetables because it's purely a thing of a guarantee, yet if that time elapses, they may still be perfectly fine to eat."
How Long Do Seeds Last?
Vegetable seeds can remain viable for two years, up to five years, or even longer, but germination rates decline over time, and plants may be less vigorous than those from fresh seeds. The Royal Horticultural Society warns that old seeds can yield disappointing results, potentially requiring a fresh start.
Long-lasting seeds include cucumbers, tomatoes, pumpkins, and radishes, which may survive over five years. In contrast, onions, spinach, and parsley often lose viability within one to two years.
Practical Tips for Planting Old Seeds
To improve odds, consider double sowing—planting extra seeds to ensure at least a few sprout. Richards advises: "If you've got a load of seeds left over, just sow four or five in a pot. And if any come through, you think, Oh, actually, there's life in this seed packet yet."
Matthew Appleby, editor of Horticulture Week, shares his experience: "I've grown pumpkins and courgettes from 'used by' seeds and I have had success but it's a bit more hit and miss. It's worth having a go but don't expect so much success." He likens seed dates to supermarket sell-by dates, noting they're often for safety rather than practicality.
Testing Seed Viability
Before planting, conduct a germination test. Heirloom seed company She Grows Veg recommends placing seeds between damp paper towels, keeping them warm, and checking for sprouts. If most germinate, they're still good for planting.
Optimal Seed Storage Methods
Proper storage extends seed life. Richards suggests: "I would say pop them into an old ice cream tub with a lid. Fold up the seed packet and put them in there or even in a cardboard box, in a cool, dry cupboard in your house." Prevent moisture buildup by using desiccants like rice or airtight glass jars.
Appleby adds that resealing opened packets with a peg or tape and storing them in a cool, dry, dark place can help. While opened packets may theoretically reduce success, "it's more to do with the skill of the gardener when sowing, using the right temperature, the right potting medium, the right water etc."
For best results, purchase seeds in resealable packets if you won't use the entire contents. With these strategies, gardeners can confidently experiment with out-of-date seeds, turning potential waste into thriving plants.
