Hints for germinating 20 yr old seeds

Was given some 20 year old still in the paper unopened package okra seeds. Was a friends grandmothers seed who passed away. It would mean alot to her if I could get these to germinate. Any hints? Kathy

Try this. I have germinated all my seeds with this method. Some seeds were from 2002.

Wet a kitchen paper towel, squeeze out excess. Fold the towel in 1/2 and place seeds in a corner. Fold one end over the seeds, then fold again. You will have a square. Place this in a ziplock baggie, zip it but leave room for you to blow it up like a balloon, then quickly close it. The air will stay if the track are lined up correctly on the bag. This allows the seeds to "breathe", rather than have the plastic laying on the package. Place the baggies in a warm spot, like top of a refrigerator. When a radical (tiny root sprout) appear it has germinated and is ready to be planted.

Good instructions.

Okra is one of the best seeds to store for long periods. You should get a few at least...a good percentage at best. Make sure that you don't plant another variety in the garden as okra crosses easily as bees like the flowers.

How soft will the seeds be? I baggied them last nite, and touched one of the seeds this am thru the plastic and it seemed to be like dust. I did not touch any more of the seeds. I wont plant any more okra this season if i can get these to live. I did not use all of the seeds in case I mess up. dont know if these are hybrids or not, the package does not say. The brand is NK. Thanks for the info. Kathy

They should be firm, probably fairly hard with only one night soaking.

What I do for regular okra planting is soak overnight in a cup of water, then plant directly in the ground where they are to grow. You might try a few that way as well.

I was afraid of that. Will see how there do in the next few days then try the soak and dirt method. That is what I normally do. Ground is a bit to chilly just yet to plant outside. Crazy Texas weather! Kathy

Keep us apprised of the experiment! I have some old seeds too.

Will do!!

One way to know if the seed is viable is to put it in a cup of water - typically the bad seeds will float the good ones will sink to the bottom of the container.

ultimateshopper Not true because sometimes a seed may be floating on a tiny airbubble. I have sown seeds that floated and they sprouted. I have also sown seeds that didn't float and didn't sprout.

There is really no way of telling if a seed is viable or not until it is sown

There is a lot of information on seed germination at www.jlhudsonseeds.net. They sell GA-3 and the site gives a lot of information on it. They also mention other methods such as a peroxide soak.

This site is very interesting. They have also sent prompt and personal responses to emails.

They have lots of interesting seeds.

katiebear