Seeds do degrade over time, yet here’s how you can maximise your chances of success (Image: Alamy/PA)
During this period, numerous gardeners find themselves examining old seed packets, questioning whether those beyond their ‘sow by’ date are worth planting. Huw Richards, a grow-your-own specialist, bestselling author and prominent YouTuber whose gardening channel boasts more than 750,000 subscribers and who partners with hand-tools brand Gardena, confesses he takes chances with various gardening matters.
“Seed packets are just guidelines. At the end of the day, a seed either wants to grow or it doesn’t.”
Thoughts on ‘use by’ dates
“I think 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,” says Richards.
Certain vegetable seeds remain viable for two years, whilst others can last up to five years or beyond, though as time progresses the germination rate declines and resulting plants may prove less robust than those cultivated from fresh seeds. Cucumbers, tomatoes, pumpkins and radishes may endure more than five years, whereas onions, spinach and parsley typically become less viable within one or two years.
Out-of-date packets of seeds (Image: Hannah Stephenson/PA)
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Seeds deteriorate with age and the RHS warns that outdated seeds may yield disappointing outcomes, potentially necessitating a fresh start with new supplies. Various vegetable seeds demonstrate different longevity, largely influenced by storage conditions.
If you’re keen to try, it might be worth double sowing to increase the likelihood that at least some will successfully germinate.
Richards says: “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, reports he has planted expired seeds with reasonable results. “They can work. It’s kind of like a sell-by date on a supermarket packet that they are there for safety reasons rather than practical reasons.
“I’ve grown pumpkins and courgettes from ‘used by’ seeds and I have had success but it’s a bit more hit and miss,” he says. “It’s worth having a go, but don’t expect so much success.”
Seed packets in a tin (Image: Hannah Stephenson/PA)Test viability
Heritage seed company She Grows Veg suggests conducting a germination test beforehand by positioning several seeds between moist paper towels, maintaining warmth and monitoring for sprouting. If the majority germinate, they remain suitable for planting.
What about storing seeds?
If you’ve only planted half a packet because you don’t require too many plants or lack space to sow more, improve their chances of remaining viable through proper storage.
“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,” says Richards. Ensure there’s no moisture accumulation in the container you choose for storage, as this could cause the seeds to rot.
You might want to consider using desiccants like rice in your storage containers to absorb any excess moisture. Alternatively, an airtight glass jar could be used to maintain their freshness.
If you’re not planning on using the entire packet, it’s advisable to purchase seeds in resealable packets. Appleby suggests simply using a peg or tape to reseal an opened seed packet, storing them in a cool, dry, and dark location.
Does opening the packet reduce the likelihood of successful growth?
“Theoretically, but at the same time, 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,” he says.
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