Seed expiration date.

[RandallJ.]

My friend recently found a bunch of vegetable and fruit seeds in a dumpster. I was wondering if seeds have an expiration date. Some of the packets are open and some of the seeds look pretty worn.

 

[Chuck]

If seeds are enclosed in something that keeps out moisture they are usually viable for 2 years, maybe 3, although some seeds are viable for over 2000 years as evidenced by seeds found in an Egyptian pyramid. Also, coated seeds seem to last longer than uncoated ones. All of the seed packets I have seen are marked "packaged for" and then the year. In your friends case I would bet that the open packets are no longer viable and the rest very iffy. But since they were free plant them. The only bad thing that can happen is that they won't germinate.

 

[RandallJ.]

The open packets wouldn't be viable because of exposure to the air ?

 

[Meadowlark]

I'd guess if you are talking about New Mexico, there is a good chance that many seeds will be viable...dry and relatively mild climate.

The expiration date is based on when the germination rate falls below the posted tested date. For example, if the package has a posted 90% germination rate, when the rate is projected to fall below that is the expiration date generally. Doesn't mean at all that all the seeds are no longer viable.

Try them.... what have you got to lose?

 

[Ruderunner]

I've successfully grown seeds that were a year or more past their expiration date. Some actually needed to be in the ground for a season before growing!

Seeds are sturdy and free seeds are certainly worth the time to throw in dirt and water.

 

[YumYum]

If they did like Lowes did that one year, put the display of packaged seeds in the direct sun, then it may have cooked the seeds. They usually throw theirs away early Winter though. Worth a try.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

I have planted plenty of out of date seeds and they have been fine, then there have been some where the germination rate was not wonderful, but still worth planting. Love a good skip, you never know what you will find.

 

[lifegardener]

My friend recently found a bunch of vegetable and fruit seeds in a dumpster. I was wondering if seeds have an expiration date. Some of the packets are open and some of the seeds look pretty worn.

Plant them. What grows well, keep the biggest fruits from each, and save seed from them.
Nothing to lose, and much to gain.