Inside each plant seed is the embryo of a future plant.
Lettuce, on the other hand, can successfully sprout after five years.
The table below lists average years of viability for well-stored vegetable seeds, compiled from regional sources.
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How Long Do Seeds Last?
How long seeds last in the freezer is highly dependent on the seeds being thoroughly dried before freezing.
Moist seeds can crack or split when frozen, destroying the embryo.
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Arrange Seeds
Place the 10 seeds in a row along the damp paper towel.
Cover Seeds
Roll or fold the paper towel around the seeds so that they are covered.
Write the date on the plastic bag, so theres no guesswork involved.
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Check Towel Daily
Check daily to be sure the paper towel does not dry out.
Watch for Germination
Start checking for germination in about five days.
To do this, gently unroll the paper towel.
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You may even be able to see sprouting through the rolled towel.
Very often, the roots will grow right through it.
Count Seeds
After 10 days, unroll the paper towel and count how many seeds have sprouted.
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This count will give you the percentage of germination you might expect from the remaining seeds in the packet.
If only three sprouted, it is a 30 percent germination rate.
If 100 percent germinated, your seed is viable, and youre ready to plant.
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Do not waste the seeds that have germinated in your test; you’re able to plant them.
Handle them carefully, so you dont break the roots or growing tip.
Dont let them dry out.
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Its often easiest to just cut the paper towel between seeds and plant the seed, towel and all.
Storing vegetable and flower seeds.
Colorado State University Extension.
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
