Planting expired (sell by date) flower seeds... (flowers, growing, cucumbers)

[WannaliveinGreenville]

I bought some great seeds for 4 for $1.00. I put them away and this year I took them out and see that they have expired (sell by date) 12/14.

How old can the seeds be and realistically expect a decent growing and bloom? I have some even older seeds than that, just collecting/given to me/ but remained in the packaging.

Can older seeds do well? If not, I have already planted them because I am bound and determined to get some flowers out of them! Plus, I was eager with the spring fever feeling..

In order for them to flourish: What advice can you give? Do you need the names of the flower seeds? I kept the packaging so that I know what (hopefully may come up) some day.

[luv4horses]

Usually a certain percentage of the seed will not germinate every year. But unless you have stored them in adverse conditions (too hot, too humid etc.) some will germinate. It is always worth giving it a try. If they germinate in a timely manner they will be as good as they would have been originally.

[North Beach Person]

Radishes are good for a couple years, cucumbers, too. Other than that it can be hot or miss. As cheap as seeds are it doesn't cost much to toss them at 4 for a dollar.

[PAhippo]

A green-thumbed friend told me to keep them in the freezer then take them out a few days before planting.


I've never tried it.

[gunslinger256]

google is your friend:

How long do garden seeds last? | Oregon State University Extension Service | Gardening

I found some beans that were 10 years old that I uncovered while unpacking from my cross country move. none of them germinated when I tested them in a coffee filter so I threw them out.

[wit-nit]

The Chinese have uncovered some seeds that were 3000 years old and planted them and they took. A lot depends on how you store them. They should be in kept in a cool dry place, like under your kitchen sink, until planting time.

[charlygal]

When you're ready, just do paper towel germination to test the seeds. Wet a paper towel, sprinkle the seeds, cover with another wet paper towel and place in a plastic ziploc bag or a plastic container with a lid (you want to trap in moisture and keep it wet). In 7-14 days, you'll know which seeds are viable.

[phonelady61]

you know I have seeds from 10 yrs ago and they still sprouted this year so they can last up to 10 years .

[WannaliveinGreenville]

Originally Posted by charlygal

When you're ready, just do paper towel germination to test the seeds. Wet a paper towel, sprinkle the seeds, cover with another wet paper towel and place in a plastic ziploc bag or a plastic container with a lid (you want to trap in moisture and keep it wet). In 7-14 days, you'll know which seeds are viable.

This is a great idea! I have 3 packages left. I have plenty of zip-lock bags. I will definitely try this

Thank you everyone for your great advice. I just could not pass up 4 for $1...normally they were 99 cents a pack...(all flower seeds)

I want to try vegetables. How hard are they to grow? I live in the South. Plenty of rain and humidity. Everything is turning green here and it's beautiful....

[charlygal]

Originally Posted by WannaliveinGreenville

I want to try vegetables. How hard are they to grow? I live in the South. Plenty of rain and humidity. Everything is turning green here and it's beautiful....

I'm currently in the South. Vegetables are easier to grow than flowers. If possible, start your seeds indoors so that you are planting seedlings. Trying to direct sow can be a bit harder.