Old seeds

[Kingfisher]

Hi I was given a lot of seeds last year but they are very old ones, just wondered if anyone knows of a way I could wake them up,  or are they just too old they are  about 5/10 year old. and 100 pkts or more many thanks, Jan

[Kingfisher]

[lottie lou]

Most likely a bit old but you could try chitting some to see if they are viable.  I put them on damp kitchen towel inside poly bag, inside poly box in the airing cupboard or somewhere else warm

[elvis2003]

oh i do hope you can get them to germinate,what a great amount of seeds! im not sure if they will take or not,but would have to try them anyway. im sure someone who actually does know will be along shortly,good luck!

[PurpleHeather]

I have heard of seeds of over 100 years old germinating, and that many have a life span of up to 20.

It depends a lot on whether they have ever got too hot too cold or damp.

I would try a few at a time in a flower pot. Depending on what they are, some take several weeks to wake up. I have given up before thinking some thing has not germinated and sowed on top only to get both up.

Sounds like an interesting project you have there.

[saddad]

The % germinating will fall off with age but should still get enough from a packet. Parsnips and carrots would probably be a waste of time but the rest pre chit on kitchen towel and grow on...  :)

[cornykev]

Certainly Parsnips, but good luck with the rest, what have you got.    ;D ;D ;D

[FennelandFern]

There's a variety of tomato called 'Egyptian' which someone germinated from a seed found in an Egyptian tomb, which must make it thousands of years old. So if they can do it, I'm sure you'll get some exciting results too! What seeds have you got?

[Mortality]

There's a variety of tomato called 'Egyptian' which someone germinated from a seed found in an Egyptian tomb, which must make it thousands of years old. So if they can do it, I'm sure you'll get some exciting results too! What seeds have you got?

Erm.. didnt tomatoes originate from South America and get brough to europe with the spanish...

However, there is this

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn14125-jesusera-date-is-the-oldest-seed-to-germinate.html?feedId=online-news_rss20

[FennelandFern]

Good point Mortality. I still quite like the idea of a tomato hanging out in a tomb though. Maybe it isn't as old as all that and just came in on some dude's shoe. Still, quite fun finding random volunteers...

[Robert_Brenchley]

There's a variety of tomato called 'Egyptian' which someone germinated from a seed found in an Egyptian tomb, which must make it thousands of years old. So if they can do it, I'm sure you'll get some exciting results too! What seeds have you got?

That's a version of an urban legend about peas being found in Tutankhamun's tomb and grown successfully. They were found but were well and truly dead.

The oldest seed ever germinated is a Judean date palm around 2000 years old, but there's nothing comparable.

[FennelandFern]

haha I feel conned! It's a good tasting tomato though, and v.good for sauces. Anyway, Kingfisher I really hope your seed experiment goes well - please report on what pops up!

[rosebud]

   I would go for it you have nothing to loose & a whole lot to gain.
Let us know how you get on. ;D ;D ;D

[Mortality]

haha I feel conned! It's a good tasting tomato though, and v.good for sauces. Anyway, Kingfisher I really hope your seed experiment goes well - please report on what pops up!

Humm looks like they are still being sold !!

http://www.victoriananursery.co.uk/vegetable_seeds/tomato_seed_egyptian/

and here

http://store.tomatofest.com/Egyptian_p/tf-0160.htm

rofl :D

[Robert_Brenchley]

I notice they both equivocate over the origin of the variety!

[Kingfisher]

Certainly Parsnips, but good luck with the rest, what have you got.    ;D ;D ;D

I have got some veg, some succulents and some flowers mostly flowers

[Kingfisher]

Wow thank you all for your help you have given me hope, I had these given to me last year all Thomson and Morgan.
Tried to get some going but it was a bit late in the season, cant wait till the spring, yes I will let you know
what happens I was thinking of putting some in the fridge for a while what do you think

[Jeannine]

Hi I regularly grow tomato seeds much older than ten years with acceptable germination, also squash seeds close to that age.

Onions will a problem  as will spinach,and of course parsnips as others have said, corn also deteriorates quickly after two years.

A lot will depend on how they have been stored, mine are refridgerated.

Good Luck

XX Jeannine

[Kingfisher]

Hi I regularly grow tomato seeds much older than ten years with acceptable germination, also squash seeds close to that age.

Onions will a problem  as will spinach,and of course parsnips as others have said, corn also deteriorates quickly after two years.

A lot will depend on how they have been stored, mine are refridgerated.

Good Luck

XX Jeannine


Thanks Jeannine,  can you tell the best way of keeping them in the fridge

[saddad]

Just in a sealed container to prevent any damp/condensation getting in...  :)

[BAZ]

Hi  Kingfisher

You could take a sample of seed and place them in a glass of water. If you have more seeds at the bottom of the glass than floating at the top, then you should be alright :). Seeds contain water, so viable seed sinks.

GOOD LUCK!

BAZ