Old Seeds?

[thewatsonfarm]

How long do you think seeds last if you keep them under ideal conditions? A year? Five? More?

I planted some 2-3 year old nasturtium seeds, but very few are coming up. Can't think of why not. Any ideas?

 

[Kiki]

If kept properly and from a good source I would think they should last longer than a year.

 

[lazy gardener]

Depends on the species. Some of the larger seeds have a very long storage life. Onions barely last a year, even under ideal conditions. Carrots are an other poor keeper. I keep my seeds from year to year. I must confess that I don't store them properly. I've had 9 year old tomato seeds sprout well for me. But, I would not place all of my faith for a certain crop on old seed. If it's a crop that I won't do without, I may test germination and go from there, or plant the old seed, but buy a packet of new seed as well. My DIL says I need a "seedaholic" intervention.