If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a stash of seed packets from seasons past. Some neatly organized, some…well, let’s just say they exist in various ‘safe places.’ But before you start planting, let’s make sure those seeds are still viable!
How Long Do Seeds Last?
Not all seeds have the same shelf life. Some, like onions and parsnips, lose viability quickly (1-2 years), while others, like tomatoes and brassicas, can last 4-6 years or more if stored properly. But instead of guessing, let’s test them.
The Simple Germination Test
This is a quick and easy way to check if your seeds are still good.
What You’ll Need:
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A few seeds from each packet you want to test
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A damp paper towel or a coffee filter works well too
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A resealable plastic bag or a small container
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A warm spot (room temperature is fine)
Steps:
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Dampen a paper towel or coffee filter (not soaking wet, just damp).
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Place some seeds on one half of the paper towel and fold the other half over them.
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Slip the paper towel into a plastic bag or container to keep moisture in.
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Leave it in a warm place (a sunny window is perfect).
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Check on it starting day 3. Some seeds take longer, so give them up to 10 days.
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Count how many have sprouted.
Reading Your Results:
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Most germinated? Great! Your seeds are good to go!
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Half germinated...Still usable, but just sow a little heavier.
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Less than half? You might be better off buying fresh seeds this season.
Storage Tips to Keep Seeds Viable Longer
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Store seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place. This is always suggested but full disclosure I have various stashes of seeds and I haven't noticed a difference.
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Avoid moisture and humidity, which can cause seeds to deteriorate or mold.
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Label packets with the year you purchased them to track age.
Testing your seeds now saves time, effort, and disappointment later. So before you dig in (literally), take a few minutes to see what’s still sprouting strong!
If you need to buy fresh seeds - download our trusted seed companies guide here
Happy planting!