These are 2 of the beets from our garden.
One of packages of seeds that we planted was listed as expired in 2002. And we dicided to plant it just for the fun of it and see what happened
The other seed was bought this year.
Quess what one was the expired seed.
Looks like two different cultivars. Glad both of them grew well tho.
Yes, they are 2 different cultivars. The one on the right came from a seed that expired 7 years ago, but someone forgot to the the seed that. I think I need to send a note to Martha Stewart to let her know that the beets that have her name on them grow alot longer then they think!
Most vegetable seeds are viable for a much longer time than most of us realize.
I guess so!
Seeing is believing ^_^
I keep all my seeds in the freezer and just take out what I need. I guess they stay good forever like that.
The date on a seed package usually indicates the year the seed was harvested, but it's not really an expiration date. As FD mentioned, most seed can remain viable for quite a long time, especially if it's stored properly.
(Even improperly stored seed can surprise you, though...I've had all sorts of flower, herb and veggie seeds all germinate without any problem, even though they were stored in their original packets at room temperature for several years.) I figure it's always worth a try, and if they don't germinate, I can toss them out and buy fresh seeds.
