How Long Do Seeds Last? Complete Viability Guide [Free Chart]
INSIDE: How long do seeds last? Find out which flower and vegetable seeds you can keep and which seeds should go. Keep reading to download a free seed viability chart.
One spring, I stumbled on a forgotten pack of tomato seeds tucked away in the back of my gardening drawer.
The date on the packet? Five years ago.🤦♀️
I stood at a familiar gardening crossroads. To plant or not to plant?
Planting old seeds and hoping for the best can set your garden back by weeks…
But what if there was a way to know which seeds are still good to plant?
Determined to find answers, I delved deep into a mountain of data, cross-referencing various sources to bring you the most accurate seed viability dates.
Dive in to discover how to sidestep the disappointment of old seeds that don’t sprout.
BONUS: As a bonus for joining my weekly newsletter, download a free Seed Viability Chart. It answers the question, “are these seeds too old to plant?”
Heads up: If you buy something after clicking a link in this post, I’ll earn a small commission. I only link to products I’d recommend to my best friend.
How long do seeds last in storage?
The exact longevity of seeds can differ, with some lasting only a year or two while others can remain viable for up to six years or more.
How long they’ll last depends on how they’ve been stored.
While all seeds have an expiration date, many can remain viable past that date when they’re stored properly.
- Seeds stored in a cool, dark, dry place will last through their expiration date.
- But when a seed experiences less-than-ideal storage conditions, its longevity and viability decline.
So, if you’re wondering whether expired seeds can still sprout, the good news is they might if they’ve been stored correctly.
Three things will determine whether your seeds are still viable:
- Age of the seeds. All seeds will be viable for one to two years. After two or three years, germination rates will drop for many types of seeds and will eventually fall to zero. So, stocking up on seeds for an “emergency” isn’t a good idea because they don’t last forever. Download a free chart that tells you if your seeds are too old.
- The type of seed. What type of seed you have will also affect how long it’s viable.
- Some seeds, like onions and sweet corn, have a short lifespan, while others, like cucumber and melon, can last up to 6 years.
- If you buy pelleted seed, use it within one year because the pelleting process can reduce the seed’s lifespan.
- How you’ve stored the seeds.
- Seeds stay viable much longer when you store them in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Reducing humidity is key. It reduces the risk of mold and premature sprouting. This can be as simple as storing seeds in a sealed plastic bag with some rice or desiccant packets to absorb excess humidity.
- And then store the bags in a cool, dark place. Because warm temperatures will speed up the deterioration of your seeds.[1]
- Finally, store them somewhere that mice or other rodents can’t get at them.
Related: The best catalogs to have on hand when buying seeds.
Pro tip: Save time by writing the expected expiration date on your seed packets. Then you won’t have to spend time every year deciding whether your seeds are still good.
How to make your seeds last longer
Even though they appear lifeless, seeds are living things. So, how you treat your seeds out in the garden is important.
- Don’t leave them lying outside to bake in the hot sun or let them get wet.
- And don’t leave them in your greenhouse or shed.
- If you always put your seed packets away in a cool, dark spot when you’re done with them, your seeds will last longer.
Related: Set up a DIY seed starting system in an afternoon.
How long do flower seeds last?
While flower seeds do have a shelf life, their lifespan can differ depending on the type and how they’re stored.
Most perennial flower seeds are good for 3 to 5 years, and most annual flower seeds should last for two to four years.
Wildflower seeds, which often come as a mix of annuals and perennials, have a shelf life of 1-3 years.
Flower seed viability chart
Here are some lifespan guidelines for popular flower seeds. Your seeds’ shelf life depends on how carefully you’ve stored your seed packets.
| Flower | Years |
|---|---|
| Anthemis | 2 |
| Anthirrhium | 4 |
| Cosmos | 4 |
| Dianthus | 2 |
| Gaillardia | 3 |
| Impatiens | 2 |
| Lavender | 4 |
| Petunia | 3 |
| Zinnia | 6 |
How long your flower seeds will last depends on how well you store them. Keep them in a cool place, away from sunlight and humidity.
Download a FREE handy seed chart as a bonus for joining my newsletter: send me the Seed Viability Chart!
How long do vegetable seeds last?
How long vegetable seeds can be stored varies widely, depending on the seed type and storage conditions.
Your vegetable seed packets will last through their expiration date if kept cool, dry, and away from sunlight.
Are vegetable seeds from last year still good?
Got vegetable seeds from last year? Don’t toss them just yet!
Many vegetable seeds stay fresh and viable up to a year after their packing date.
What about heirloom seeds? How long do they last?
- Heirloom seeds, cherished for their unique heritage, come with an expiration date, just like hybrid seeds.
- But they can often outlive their expected viability when you store them carefully.
Vegetable seed viability chart: How many years will they last?
Ever wondered exactly how long those tomato or lettuce seeds will last?
My detailed chart breaks it down for you.
Seeds that remain viable for up to 5 years:
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery & Celeriac
- Cucumber
- Eggplant
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Melon
- Peppers
- Pumpkins
- Radish
- Rutabaga
- Spinach
- Squash & gourds
- Swiss chard
- Tomato
- Turnip
- Watermelon
Make seed starting easier this year. Download my FREE Seed Viability Chart.
Seeds that are viable for up to 4 years:
- Artichoke & cardoon
- Asparagus
- Beans
- Carrots
- Mustard
- Peas
Seeds that stay viable for up to 3 years:
- Asian greens
- Corn, sweet
Seeds that are viable for 1-2 years:
- Leeks
- Okra
- Onions
- Parsnip
- Rhubarb
Remember, these are general guidelines. Seed viability will vary based on storage conditions.
Take the guesswork out of starting seeds. Get my FREE Seed Viability Chart.
How long are seeds good for—are your old seeds viable?
The question to ask yourself when planting old seeds is, are they still viable?
- Are your seeds still alive?
- Will they germinate and grow into healthy plants?
So, how do you know if seeds are good or bad?
You can do a simple germination test to find out if they’ll sprout. (See tips below for testing your seed germination rates).
But a germination test won’t tell you whether they’re vigorous enough to reach maturity and give you a good harvest. (Agricultural labs test for seed vigor, but it’s not something we home gardeners can do accurately.)
Even so, if you do a germination test of old seeds and the seedlings seem stunted (smaller than normal leaves or root systems), it’s probably time to start over with new seeds.
Related: How to prevent leggy seedlings.
How to test your seeds
If you’re uncertain whether your old garden seeds will germinate, you can do a quick germination test.
Just lay ten seeds on a moist paper towel, fold it gently, and tuck it into a plastic bag.
Find a cozy, warm nook for the bag, and after a day or two, peek inside. You might see some of those seeds beginning to sprout!
Check it every day for up to a week.
After it’s been a week, count the number of seeds that have germinated.
How to assess your germination rate:
Let’s say 8 out of 10 seeds germinate.
- That’s an impressive 80% germination rate!
- You’re in good shape, and using these seeds for another gardening season is okay.
But if only 2 out of 10 seeds sprout, you’re looking at a germination rate of roughly 20%.
- That’s pretty darn low.
- You should consider investing in a fresh batch.
- Or, if you decide to plant them, you’ll need to plant extra seeds.
You’ll have to make a command decision about what to do for anything between 20 and 80 percent.
If you decide to go for it, plant some extra seeds to be on the safe side!
Related freebies: FREE gardening printables.
Frequently asked questions about seed viability
Can old seeds still grow? How do you know if seeds are too old?
1. Check the age of the seeds. You’ll find the year they were packed for on the back of the packet. 2. Download a free seed viability chart and check the age of the seeds against the years listed on the chart. 3. Throw out any seeds that are too old.
Do seeds expire?
Yes, seeds expire. How long they’ll last depends on the variety and how well you’ve stored them. Store your seeds in a cool, dark, dry place to extend their shelf life.
How long do seeds last in packets?
When stored properly, seeds in packets can last for several years. Flower seeds can last from 2-5 years, and vegetable seeds can last 1-6 years. Snag a free seed viability chart to find out if your seed packets are still good.
Do herb seeds expire?
Yes, herb seeds do expire. Most herb seeds are good for two to six years. Download a free seed viability chart to find out if your herb seeds are still good.
What happens if you use old seeds?
When you use old seeds, some may not germinate. Depending on how old the seeds are, they may also not be as viable as fresh seeds, which means the plants may not produce as well or mature as quickly as they would if you had used fresh seeds.
Do vegetable seeds expire?
Yes, vegetable seeds expire. Most vegetable seeds last from one to six years. It depends on the type of vegetable. Grab a free seed viability chart to make sure it’s OK to plant your vegetable seeds.
Do seeds last forever?
It’s a common myth that seeds can last forever. Some seeds can last a long time, but none last forever. Just like old batteries, they lose their power over time.
Final takeaways on seed viability
Remember when I shared how I stumbled on that old tomato seed packet hiding in the back of a drawer?
It got me thinking about the possibilities each seed holds and its almost magical ability to transform into a thriving plant.
That’s what keeps us gardeners hooked. And to keep the magic alive, we must know the ins and outs of seed viability.
We’ve explored everything from the factors that influence a seed’s lifespan to the best spots for storage, the varied lifespans of different seeds, and even tips to check if they’re still good to go.
Here’s the heart of it: While seeds may seem small and unassuming, they can grow into something truly spectacular with the right care and knowledge.
And if you’re as smitten with growing plants from seed (like me), my free Seed Viability Chart is just the thing for you!
Think of it as your go-to guide for seed shelf life, helping you maximize every seed’s potential.
Your turn…
What challenges have you faced when trying to grow plants from older seeds? Let me know in a comment below!
Want more help with seed starting?
If you liked this article, you’ll love these posts!
- How to set up grow light shelves.
- The best free seed catalogs.
- How to fix leggy seedlings.
