I have a LOT of seeds collected from the 2002 and 2003 growing season. I started new 95% perennial beds last summer so did not sown/started any of these older annual seeds this year. All of the ones collected last year were volunteers from what is now my rose bed.
Is it ok to offer these for a SASE? I hate to throw them out but it is more than I could ever use and won't be using very many annuals next year. I have no idea whatsoever what their germination rate would be.
They have been stored in pill bottles inside of ziplock bags in the bottom of a cabinet. Some varieties are: cosmos, spider flower, coreopsis, poppies, annual pincushion flower, petunias and zinnias, there may be others, I cant remember right now and am too lazy to get up and look.
Thanks,
Vicki
Older seeds question
Vicki, I save seeds and start them every spring indoors before the season opens, so I can see what germinates and what doesn't. Some seeds don't have much of a shelf life, but others do. I have been using the some same poppy seeds for about 6 years now with good results, also some petunia. You can look up seed viability on the web to determine which are more viable than others and for how long. Since you are going to offer them SASE, I would suggest that you list the year on your tradelist and let the inquirers decide for themselves. In my opinion, however, older seed is fine as long as it hasn't been mistreated.
Thanks for the advise :)
Hi and welcome sadie I see you are a very new member and I hope will enjoy it here as much of the rest of us.
I have some seeds from last year and of course things I am now collecting.
I would not hesitate to offer your seeds, when I offer seeds that are from a previous year, I always let people know that they are from the year before and then they can make up their own mind if they want to take a chance with them.
I have always had good luck with older seeds and would not think twice about trading for them.
Alice
We know Martha Stewart keeps hers forever. :) I wouldn 't pass them up either if I were trading.
Hi Sadie! I myself just finished entering my seeds into my trade lists - a variety of years but each is listed. Personally I would love to try any age! I'm with Alice - I have been using some of the same seeds for years! Myself I put in the aprox amount of seeds I have (I am not a large scale gardener) so that even though I may not have a ton of seeds, I can still trade with those who can use a few! I have a 3 year old 1 acre yard so I have plenty of room to fill but don't purchase large quantities.. I am also going to start REALLY saving this year to have more to trade for the future! This website is a BLAST!!