Onion seeds packed for 2006. Still viable?

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Quyen Orange, CA(Zone 10b) Jul 05, 2010

I must have felt ambitious 5 years ago because I bought some cipollini onion seeds (along with a bunch of other seeds) from Seed Savers. I planted the other seeds but never got around to the onions. I found the seed package today and will actually have enough room to plant these this year.

Are they still good? When should I start the seeds?

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locakelly Phoenix, AZ(Zone 9a) Jul 05, 2010

Quyen - I plant onions here in October. I have read that onion seed is not viable for as long as other seeds. I've also been told that I should buy new seed every year, but this year I planted onion seed that was 3 or 4 years old with good results. Since you already have the seeds I would say give it a try. I always direct seed so not sure how soon you'd have to start them ahead if you want to do transplants - I would guess at least 8 weeks...

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Ketta Portland, OR Jul 05, 2010

While onion seed is less viable than your average garden vegetable seed, it doesn't hurt to try. If it were me, I'd definitely give them a shot and I would not be surprised if you got about a 60% germination rate.

Good luck. :)

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Quyen Orange, CA(Zone 10b) Jul 05, 2010

True that it couldn't hurt to try. I'll test out a few now to see if any would sprout. If they do then I'll use the rest in September.

Thanks for your help.

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