Gardening Pacific Northwest: Slugs and Salal

Seed Longevity and Testing for Viability

Before making major purchases of new seed this year, take an inventory of seeds left from last year's planting. If you're in the habit of dating seed packets with the year of purchase you'll be in a good position to judge whether the seed will still germinate and produce strong plants.

Under ideal dry, dark storage conditions with cool temperatures that fluctuate little, most flower and vegetable seeds will retain their vitality for about three years.

Exceptions are parsnip, onion, leek, corn, salsify, verbena, gerbera, strawflower, geranium, salvia, lily and larkspur. These have a short life and should be kept no more than one year for sowing a second time.

At the other end of the seed longevity scale are durable longtimers such as zinnia, nasturtium, salpiglossis, cucumber, squash, cantaloupe, watermelon and beet, which will commonly keep in good viable condition for six years or more.

If you're not sure of the age or condition of some of the seeds left on hand, test them by keeping 10 of each variety wrapped in a length of warm, moist paper towelling for two weeks. If seven or more in a batch sprout, plant the seeds normally. If five to six germinate, use the seed but plant thickly. If less than five sprout, purchase a fresh supply.

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