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Bristol R.I. USA

Doe anyone really know what the shelf life of seeds are. Also whats the helf life of other vegitabke seeds. I've heard of the seed depository in sweden. It appears that the seeds are freezed dried?

1/29/2012 1:51:35 PM

Muddy Waters

In michigan Stored in my basement 10 year old seeds wont germinate Kins & melons.I would guess a 7 to 10 year life depending on temp & humidity level.Freezer Kept is the way to go, they say 30 years & up.

1/29/2012 1:57:40 PM

South Hero, VT

From what I've heard, 10 years in a cool dry place is about the max for pumpkin seeds. Refrigerator or freezer is supposed to be the best way to go.

1/29/2012 2:36:48 PM

Ontario

All seeds have different shelf life. I would be lying if I told you how long pumpkins are good for.Thats the reason this year,I have started to vaccum pack seeds that I place value on.I'm using a home unit,the brand name is "Foodsaver",we have used it for years ,but now I have found a new use for it. You can make bags of any size.I figure air, that contributes to moisture loss is the real killer of seeds.Just my 2 cents. Terry

1/29/2012 4:16:39 PM

Corryton, TN

Germinated 2 1991 Carson seed this past year that were stored in freezer.

1/29/2012 4:37:58 PM

Muddy Waters

Sure meaford, Humidity would be a huge factor in drying out.vacuum pack is as great idea

1/29/2012 4:39:28 PM

Canada

Do any of you guys find freezer stored quicker to germinate then baesment stored seeds? I froze solid 2 seeds from this year kin from oct till Jan, I also took 2 seeds from my basement from year before kept in cool dark place I took frozen seeds and basement stored seeds gave them same treatment and started germination on both sets this years seeds ( frozen) came up quicker then last years seeds that were NOT frozen, just wondering what others have seen? Dave

1/29/2012 11:41:46 PM

Picton,ON ([email protected])

I have heard that freezing seeds prior to germinating will improve germination and vigor. I have also heard that if you have thaw a seed that has been frozen, it must be planed fairly soon or germination will quickly be reduced. Don not refreeze a previously frozen seed!

1/30/2012 7:37:46 AM

Rhode Island

kenny, the way this hobby has advanced over the years coupled with seeds falling out of favor after a few years? theres no need to hold them for more than five to seven years anyways.
but yes they will last much longer if taken care of properly.

1/30/2012 8:04:46 AM

Warwood

I was able to easily germinate an 18 yr. old Milt Barber seed a few years ago.

2/2/2012 10:36:31 AM

Muddy Waters

Yes Dave Ive heard the same thing!Wow 18 years! Do you have a humidifier on your furnace?That or you live in humid place?

2/2/2012 5:18:18 PM