How to Determine if Plant Seeds are Still Good

Did you find a package of seeds that you purchased last year? Here's an easy to find out if they are still good.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• plate or shallow container
• paper towels, napkins or coffee filters
• plant seeds
• water

1. Line your plate or container with a few layers of paper towels, napkins or coffee filters. Make sure that the edges do not hang over the side of your container.

2. Add just enough water to dampen the paper towels. Try to remove any air bubbles from under the paper towels.

3. Sprinkle a few of your old seeds on the paper towel.

4. Cover with another paper towel, napkin or coffee filter.

5. Make sure to keep it moist. Typically, you'll have to add water once or twice a day.

6. If the seeds are viable (good), you should see signs of life soon. Normally within a few days up to 2 weeks. Find out the typical germination time for your specific seed type before you give up as some seeds take longer to germinate than others.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the typical germination time for your particular seeds. Normal germination occurs between a few days up to 2 weeks.
• If you find that you have to add water more than twice a day, check again to make sure that no edges of the paper towel / napkin / coffee filter are hanging over the edge, as the water will drip off and dry out.

[razzberry-jam]

on 8/8/2009 Great stuff! I have seeds way older than a year or two, I'm going to try this when I'm ready to plant. And then use tweezers to put the sprouts into a bit of dirt, fingers crossed that they survive.

[ajoy]

on 7/1/2009 Another good idea, you don't want to throw away something you could use. Thanks.

[christye]

on 6/5/2009 Great article on how to determine if plant seeds are still good.

[RENorton]

on 4/13/2009 Great article. Very well-written with a lot great info. Excellent tips for determining if plant seeds are still good. Thanks for sharing this!

[tmcrill]

on 4/13/2009 Great info on How to Determine if Plant Seeds are Still Good. I was wondering how to do this. Thanks!