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Avatar for Frillylily
Feb 10, 2014 12:44 PM CST
Thread OP
Missouri (Zone 6a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Identifier
I have some squash seeds that are dated 2009 I found in my drawer while cleaning out some papers. Do you think they are still good? Cucumber seeds dated 2010.
Cilantro seeds probably 2011.
birdhouse gourds from 2010.
wild columbine 2011
white zinnias from 2008
Cosmos from 2010.

Can I still use these or should I toss them?
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Feb 10, 2014 1:04 PM CST
Garden.org Admin
Name: Dave Whitinger
Southlake, Texas (Zone 8a)
Region: Texas Seed Starter Vegetable Grower Tomato Heads Vermiculture Garden Research Contributor
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Garden Ideas: Master Level Region: Ukraine Garden Sages
Many seeds hold their germination rate very well over many years. What you can do is test the germination by sowing a few of each variety into a little container of soil and see how many germinate. That'll tell you which ones are worth keeping.

I've germinated tomato seeds that were over 10 years old.
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Feb 10, 2014 1:08 PM CST
Name: Rita
North Shore, Long Island, NY
Zone 6B
Charter ATP Member Seed Starter Tomato Heads I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Vegetable Grower Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge)
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I would plant them all. I plant outdated seeds all the time and a goodly portion come up. I bet those squash and cucumber especially pop right up.
Avatar for Frillylily
Feb 10, 2014 1:14 PM CST
Thread OP
Missouri (Zone 6a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Identifier
ok great! I will definitely give it a go then !
thanks!
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Feb 12, 2014 8:05 AM CST
Name: Glen Ingram
Macleay Is, Qld, Australia (Zone 12a)
(Lee Reinke X Rose F Kennedy) X Unk
Amaryllis Hybridizer Canning and food preservation Lilies Native Plants and Wildflowers Orchids
Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Pollen collector Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Plays in the sandbox Sedums Seed Starter
I once found a rotted paper seed packet, illegible parts of which were still sticking to the foil packet enclosing seed. I planted them and that is how I got my thyme bushes. Heavens knows how old it was.
The problem is that when you are young your life it is ruined by your parents. When you are older it is ruined by your children.
Last edited by Gleni Feb 12, 2014 8:32 AM Icon for preview
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