Tomatoville® Gardening Forums - View Single Post - Saving Heirloom Tomato Seeds Expiration Question

amideutch · August 19, 2014

I received seeds for two heirloom varieties that were 13 and 15 years old. The member had stored them in a freezer. I planted 6 each seeds from each variety and had 100% germination!

A lot depends on seed preperation and storage techniques. And then the seed prep prior to planting. There are some techniques used with older seeds to enhance germination. In the case of the above I did soak the seeds in a potassium nitrate solution prior to planting.

I think 3-5 years is a good starting point to answer your question. If a seed saver wants to perpetuate the variety he will start thinking about regrowing it after 5 years to renew his stock.

Ami

August 19, 2014	#2
amideutch Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Germany 49°26"N 07°36"E Posts: 5,041	I received seeds for two heirloom varieties that were 13 and 15 years old. The member had stored them in a freezer. I planted 6 each seeds from each variety and had 100% germination! A lot depends on seed preperation and storage techniques. And then the seed prep prior to planting. There are some techniques used with older seeds to enhance germination. In the case of the above I did soak the seeds in a potassium nitrate solution prior to planting. I think 3-5 years is a good starting point to answer your question. If a seed saver wants to perpetuate the variety he will start thinking about regrowing it after 5 years to renew his stock. Ami __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘...Holy Crap .....What a ride!'