How Long Do Seeds Last? – Seed Viability Chart
The one thing I always wondered when I first started gardening was how long do seeds last? I read about putting them in a freezer which prolonged the lifespan of the seeds but never knew.
Today I will be breaking down the questions I asked and will be answering them to the best knowledge below. Happy gardening!
How Long Do Seeds Last?
Most seeds last between 3 – 5 years. An exception is any seeds in the allium family such as leeks, garlic, onions, shallots, parsnips, and many decorative flowers which last 1 year.
Tip #1 – Some seeds can last much longer. Instead of throwing them out do a viability test and plant the seeds that germinate.
How Do You Store Seeds To Last Longer?
By storing your seeds properly, you maximize the amount of time your seed stays viable, decrease how many you need to purchase every year, and save money. Here are the steps below:
- Place a moisture absorbent material such as rice, silica gel, baking soda, etc at the bottom of a container or plastic bag.
- Next, place your seeds on top of the moisture absorbent
- Label each container what seeds you are placing in it
- Find a location that is under a room temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 40% humidity. The most common seed storing locations are a freezer, refrigerator, a basement. Make sure the location is dark with limited sunlight.
Tip #1 – Use a vacuum sealer to take the oxygen out of a plastic bag. This will lengthen the lifespan.
Tip #2 – Sunlight breaks down the seed coating. If it does break down, this increases the chances of bacteria and fungus to consume the seed.
Do Seed Packages Have An Expiration Date?
Seed packages do not have an expiration date on them but do have a packaging date. To find out when your seeds expire, take the date they were packed on and combine it with how long your seeds are viable for.
Packages will disappear at the end of a season because manufactures have to throw them away
How To Test Seeds For Viability?
Testing your seed viability will determine if you need to buy new seeds or not. Here are the steps for the paper towel germination test.
- Dampen a paper towel, keeping each seed separated and the towel moist but not pouring water when you hold it up in the air.
- For larger seeds such as peas or beans, pre-soak for 8 hrs before placing in a damp towel. Both need lots of water before they can germinate
- Cover your seeds with another damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag. Make sure the towel stays moist for the length of this test.
- Set your plastic bag in a sunny or warm location for 2 -3 days.
- After two weeks, count how many of your seeds have germinated. Below 70% germination rate sow heavy or buy a new seed package.
Tip #1 – Don’t let the seed that has germinated dry out, instead, plant them immediately. Cut the paper towel around the seed to limit the damage to their roots.
What Does Germination Rate Tell You?
- If your seeds have a 70% or less germination rate then buy new ones
- If you have between a 70-90% germination rate then you should sow with twice as many seeds
- If you are between 90-100% germination rate then you are ready to plant.
Tip #1 – As seeds get older the germination rate might decrease. Around 70% germination is a 2-3 year old seed
Tip #2 – Store your seed packages in a cool, dry and dark location. The freezer is the best place to store them. It has all three attributes
How Many Seeds Are In An Apple
On average there are between 5 to 14 seed in an apple. The number of seeds varies depending on pollination, the weather conditions, and water conditions that year.
How Long Do Allium Seeds Last?
An Allium seed lasts one full season or year. They have a fragile seed coat and oxidize easily losing their germination viability. Oversow them for the best results.
How Long Can You Store Them? How Long Can Seeds Stay Viable For?
On average you can store most of the seed packages for up to 3 years. For a full review check out our viability list below:
| Crop Name | # Years | Crop Name | # Years |
| Annual Flowers | 1-3 | Leek | 2 |
| Arugula | 4 | Lettuce | 5 |
| Basil | 5 | Muskmelon | 5 |
| Bean | 3 | Mustard | 4 |
| Beet | 4 | Okra | 2 |
| Broccoli | 3 | Onion | 1 |
| Brussels Sprouts | 4 | Oregano | 4 |
| Cabbage | 4 | Oriental Greens | 3 |
| Carrot | 3 | Parsley | 1 |
| Cauliflower | 4 | Parsnip | 1 |
| Celeriac | 3 | Pea | 3 |
| Cress | 5 | Perennial Flower | 2-4 |
| Celery | 3 | Pepper | 2 |
| Chard, Swiss | 4 | Pumpkin | 4 |
| Chicory | 4 | Radish | 5 |
| Chinese Cabbage | 3 | Rutabaga | 4 |
| Chive | 2 | Rutboss | 3 |
| Cilantro | 2 | Sage | 4 |
| Collards | 5 | Salsify | 1 |
| Corn Salad | 5 | Scorzonera | 1 |
| Corn, Sweet | 2 | Sorrel | 4 |
| Cucumber | 5 | Spinach | 2 |
| Eggplant | 4 | Squash | 4 |
| Endive | 5 | Tomatoes | 5 |
| Fennel | 4 | Turnip | 4 |
| Kale | 4 | Water Cress | 5 |
| Kohlrabi | 3 | Watermelon | 4 |
Here are our sources for the seed viability
Gardening Know How – How to store a seed
The Incredible Seed – Succession planting
Final Thoughts
With the right conditions, there is a likely chance to extend the lifespan. How long do seeds last? Well, only you can determine that! If you enjoyed this article, check out other posts on Devinthegardener.com