Extend the shelf-life of your seeds with these simple tips.
Most seeds stay viable for at least a yearor two after purchase.
Some seed varieties can last for a decade or more with proper storage.
Credit:Anna Drybushevska
How Long Do Seeds Last?
Seeds generally last at least a year after purchase, but some seeds spoil faster than others.
These guidelines are only estimates.
Credit:Lark Smothermon
The life span of your seeds is highly dependent on how you store them.
Factors That Affect Seed Longevity
Germination rates decline as seeds age.
Old seeds are often much slower to sproutif they sprout at all.
However, the wrong storage conditions can reduce the viability of seeds and lead to early spoilage.
Damp environments and excess humidity can cause seeds to rot or germinate prematurely.
Thats why its so important to store seeds in airtight containers and dry locations where humidity levels are low.
Temperatures above 90F speed up decay and cause seeds to spoil quickly, while cool temperatures keep seeds fresh.
Excess light.Too much light can lead to early spoilage and reduce seed germination rates.
Pests.Rodents and other pests have a taste for seeds.
Here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind if you want your seeds to stay fresh.
Whether youre storing store-bought seeds orseeds collected from your garden, heres exactly how tostore seeds so they last.
Dry seeds should be relatively brittle and break rather than bend when you squeeze them between your fingers.
This helps you track the age of the seeds and when you should plant them.
Placing a few silica gel desiccant packets in the storage containers can reduce humidity issues, too.
Rather than tossing old seeds in the trash, try some of these planting techniques.
