Expiration dates and storage rules for seeds of flowers and vegetables. Seed storage limits

All our seeds meet the requirements of GOST, because. We are very sensitive to the quality of our products. According to the requirements of GOST, the expiration date is put on the bags with seeds, and not the expiration date.

Seed shelf life

The shelf life of seeds (meaning the sale period of seeds) is the time interval established by law during which seeds can be sold at retail, starting from the moment they are packaged.
In accordance with the "Procedure for the sale and transportation of seeds of agricultural plants" Article 7.1.:
“The implementation period is set for seeds packed in paper single bags from the date of packaging of the current year to the end of the next year. For seeds packed in double packaging and only with the use of foil and other airtight materials - from the date of packaging of the current year until the end of the second year of sale.
Now, as an example, let's take cucumber seeds or tomato seeds of the same crop, let's say "autumn 2018". If these seeds are packed in paper bags in October 2018, then, in accordance with the law, it will be necessary to put an expiration date (implementation): 12.2019. And if the same cucumber seeds or tomato seeds first lie in the warehouse for a couple of months and are packed in January 2019, then the expiration date (realization) on them will already be 12.2020. Those. a year more, although we repeat, these are the same seeds.

Seed germination

Germination of seeds - in contrast to the expiration date - is a biological characteristic of the seeds of plants of various crops.
In accordance with the Great Soviet Encyclopedia: "Seed germination is the ability of seeds to give normal seedlings within a specified period under certain germination conditions ... ... Seed germination to a large extent depends on their cultivation technique, harvesting methods and storage conditions."
Those. seed germination does not depend in any way on the month in which the cucumber seeds or tomato seeds were packed, but is determined, first of all, by the belonging of the seeds to a particular crop and, accordingly, how long certain seeds can be stored.
So, returning to our example, tomato seeds of the autumn 2018 crop retain their germination capacity, under normal storage conditions, for 4-5 years, i.e. until 2023, and cucumber seeds of the autumn 2018 crop - within 6-8 years, i.e. until 2024-2026

Shelf life of vegetable seeds without loss of germination

seeds vegetable crops
Seed shelf life (years)
A) Parsnips, celery, onions 1 - 2 years
B) Leek, lovage, parsley, dill, spinach, sorrel 2 - 3 years
C) Carrots, peppers, lettuce 3-4 years
D) Eggplant, kohlrabi, turnip, beet, cauliflower 35 years
E) Cabbage b / k, broccoli, swede, radish, radish, tomato 4 - 5 years
E) Peas 4 - 6 years
G) Corn, beans, beans 5 - 7 years
H) Watermelon, melon, zucchini, cucumber, squash, pumpkin 6 - 8 years

flower seeds
Seed shelf life (years)
A) Aster, calendula, verbena, helichrysum, gazania, godetia, cochia, foxglove, arctotis 1 - 2 years
B) Ageratum, chrysanthemum, viola, gaillardia, annual dahlia, delphinium, iberis, bluebell, decorative sunflower, ornamental tobacco, lobelia, scabiosa, zinnia, purslane, stock-rose 2 - 3 years
C) carnation, tarry, Snapdragon, nemesia, penstemon, lavatera, malopa, stockrose, poppy, escholzia 3 - 4 years
D) Petunia, marigolds, nasturtium, sweet pea, lupine, kosmeya, salvia, ornamental beans, sage, salpiglossis, nirembergia, schisanthus 4 - 5 years
D) Balsam-n, cornflower, levkoy, alissum, malcolmy 5 - 6 years
E) Amaranth, celosia 6 - 8 years

Hello! What is the shelf life of sweet and hot pepper seeds? Elizabeth.
Choice quality seeds is one of key points guaranteeing a decent harvest. Expiration dates seed material sweet and hot peppers, as well as how the duration of its storage affects germination, are discussed in this article.

Shelf life and factors affecting shelf life

The seed material of sweet and bitter peppers can retain its maximum germination for up to 5 years. In many ways, this indicator depends on compliance with storage conditions and refers primarily to the industrial level of harvesting and storage of seed material.

At home, the seeds of these vegetables lose their ability to germinate much faster. As practice shows, personally collected seeds of bitter and sweet peppers remain viable for about 2-3 years. For this reason, store them for future use in large quantities it makes no sense.

Shelf life of pepper seeds - 2-3 years

Among the main conditions affecting the decrease in the germination rate during seed storage, it is worth highlighting:

• humidity level;
• temperature regime.

For independent harvesting of seed material, only the most best peppers. At home harvested seeds should be stored in a cool (t° +10-12° C) and dry place, after placing well-dried seeds in paper bags.

Attention! Do not store pepper seeds at t°=0° C, because at this temperature they can simply die.

To avoid harvesting excess seeds, a calculation should be made before buying them. required amount based on the recommended sowing rates: per 1 m² - 0.1 g.

Pepper seeds must be stored at a temperature of 10-12 degrees

A few simple tips when buying sweet and hot pepper seeds will allow you to choose a quality planting material and will serve as a guarantee of a good harvest:

1. Check the expiration date of the seeds - it is usually indicated on the bottom of the reverse side package.

2. Choose seeds from well-known and trusted manufacturers.

3. Expensive seeds of hybrids and elite varieties have a higher percentage of similarity, because they pass pre-processing growth stimulants and antifungal drugs.

Distinguishing specially treated seeds from untreated seeds is very simple - treated seeds are brightly colored.

If it is planned to use seed material collected by oneself for sowing, then a few simple manipulations will be the key to obtaining good seedlings of pepper:

1. Calibrate seeds by rejecting small, very large, hollow and damaged seeds.

2. Carry out a germination test. To do this, 5-10 seeds are soaked for a day a few weeks before the intended sowing, and then sown in prepared and moistened soil, covered with foil, and placed in a warm place, waiting for germination.

Advice! If more than 30% of the seeds sown on the sample germinate, then such seeds are considered suitable for use, if less than 30%, their use for crops is inappropriate.

Pepper seeds are best purchased from reputable manufacturers.

3. To improve the quality of pepper seeds and increase the percentage of germination, they should be dressed, treated with microelements and growth stimulants. At home as available source trace elements, you can use wood ash.

4. Pre-germination of seeds will allow you to get earlier shoots.

Knowing the expiration dates of seeds, and what factors affect them, will allow you to choose high-quality seed and ensure good friendly seedlings.

Preparing pepper seeds for planting - video

Buying seeds - main part preparation for work on the site.

Now the assortment in stores is huge, so the main thing is right make a choice.

And above all, this concerns the expiration dates (or germination), only seeds that have good performance by this parameter, will give desired harvest.

Although they can be stored for an incredibly long time.

There are cases when plants, for example, wheat, sprouted from seeds found in the pyramids, germinated and found in the stomach of a mammoth.

Methods for determining germination

Everything has different dates validity. You can find out if the seeds stored at home are outdated by checking them germination.

Simplest method: sow several seeds in a bowl a few weeks before the main landing work so that there is time for a new purchase if they do not sprout.

The second way is to soak them in warm water and wait for the seedlings. Germinate only those in which there is a developed embryo and in sufficient quantity nutrients.

Before sowing or soaking, select the best seeds. For this purpose, they are placed in solution one third of a tablespoon table salt and half a glass of water. Then mix and discard those that will surface to the surface. The rest carefully washed under running water, since the remaining salt can reduce the similarity. This can be done by wrapping the seeds in wet gauze.

Usually they take 10 pieces and, counting the number of sprouts or sprouts, determine germination percentage.

Seeds that germinated less than 50% can not use with full landings.

For guaranteed germination when sowing, they need to be taken three times more than planned. If less than 30% has risen, then all are discarded.

Vegetable

How long can vegetable seeds be stored? The seeds of vegetables traditionally grown in our gardens and popular flowers have various terms validity. At violation of the conditions the storage time is significantly reduced, or they completely lose their germination property.

Store only in dry place, some lovers put in a three-liter jar and close the lid. Manufacturers recommend storing at a temperature about 5 degrees.

Seeds of some crops can be stored a very long time. So tomatoes sprout even after 10 years.

Through 5-6 :

• at the melon;
• beans;
• beans
• beets;
• cucumbers.
• tomatoes

Not less than 5 years stored:

• at eggplant;
• corn;
• pumpkins;
• peas.

4-5 years:

Years 3-4 store seeds:

• leaf and head salads;
• leeks.

2-3 of the year:

• parsley;
• black onion, onion;
• dill.

Scorzonera can only be planted from seeds previous year collection.

Package dependency

Why do storage times fluctuate? Seeds often keep longer than indicated on the package. The manufacturer indicates the date at which they rise almost all.

Yes, and myself package affects . Now many firms besides paper packaged in inner bags polyethylene and foil protecting against impact external environment and increasing shelf life.

Seeds are processed in special ways. This significantly shifts the terms of their storage in the direction of reduction. Dried have a shorter shelf life than regular ones.

For example, simple ones in cabbage are stored for up to 5 years, while coated ones of this vegetable are only 2 years old. Plasma it is better to use only one year.

Many gardeners, fearing to make a mistake in the timing, take the seeds received only last year. This makes sense when it comes to vegetables such as parsley, parsnips, peppers, celery, dill.

But some cultures sprout better after a few years, usually 3 years after harvest, because they take a long time to mature biologically.

These are cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchini, eggplants.

Often, experts advise keeping them at a temperature to speed up ripening. 25 degrees.

It is necessary to distinguish between the concept of economic and biological germination.

Household- this is the storage time when up to 50% sprout. biological- at least one seed. Most have biological germination up to 12-20 years. But for gardeners, this is of no practical importance.

Floral

How long do flower seeds keep?

At annual:

Some seeds are stored for less than a year: asters and aquilegia.

The now popular castor plant stores 2-3 years. Even during this period, they have low germination. Out of 10 pieces, at best, six sprout. They are poisonous!

In flax and milk thistle ─ 3 years.

At biennial:

• viola, foxglove, bell 2-3 of the year;
• mallow, daisies, forget-me-nots 3-4 ;
• Turkish carnation 4-5 .

At perennial:

• primrose, delphinium, doronicum - 1-2 of the year;
• gaillardia, nivyanik, bluebell, rudbeckia, tansy, aster alpine, coreopsis 2-3 ;
• gypsophila, lychnis 3-4 ;
• lupine, yarrow 4-5 years.

milk thistle stored 3 years It is a medicinal and ornamental plant.

The same period is stored for flaxseed.

indoor flowers

Now hobbyists grow from seed houseplants, especially flowering ones that can be used one summer season : Pelargonium (geranium), the seeds of which are stored for 2-3 years, balsam, with a shelf life of 4-5 years.

But fuchsias need to be planted only fresh.

How to choose the right seeds?

There are several simple tips choice:

1. Before heading to the store for new seeds, check last year's stock.
2. Never stock up for the future.
3. Better buy at specialized stores.
4. Check carefully packaging.
5. Take the seeds of well-known proven firms.
6. It is preferable to buy without F mark.
7. Don't get carried away with seeds exotic plants.
8. Choose varieties that grow in your area.
9. Be attentive to expiration dates.

Coming home, on every package duplicate expiration dates in large pen. Do the same for packages. with collected seeds.

Can I return them to the store?

Return the seeds to the store complicated.

If you bought, then they will most likely blame you for this: the expiration date is indicated on the package.

Prove besides, what you bought in this store is this package of seeds is almost impossible.

Claims can only be made in large specialized stores that value their reputation.

Now many people prefer to order seeds in online stores. Follow the rules above as well. Try to extract maximum information from what is written on the package.

Results

Plant seeds are alive, they breathe and gradually use up their nutrient reserves. There comes a moment when this stock is depleted, and with it the embryo is depleted, the opportunity to give a new life disappears.

And so that in the spring you didn't get disappointed when suddenly only a few shoots are found in the garden instead of slender green rows, pay attention to the seeds you bought.

After a troublesome autumn came an unfussy winter. It's time to start thinking about seeds for next season. They lie in the house, preserved not only from this year, but even from the previous year. What to do with them? Leave? Will they grow? How much and, most importantly, how to store them? Let's try to deal with these questions.

By the way, amazing cases are known in history when seeds were found at the excavations of ancient structures, they were planted and they ... germinated, after millennia they germinated! So it was, for example, in the middle of the 19th century, when wheat seeds were found at the bottom of a 3,000-year-old vase: they were sown and they sprouted. True, this miracle can be explained: a constant temperature and humidity were maintained in the vase, and the seeds were, apparently, well ripened and dried. Namely, such conditions are necessary for better preservation of seeds. Then the metabolic processes in the seed are strongly inhibited, it enters the stage of dormancy, and the embryo under such conditions can remain alive for a long time.

However, the ability to maintain germination in different cultures is not the same. And it depends not only on the type of culture, but also on ripening conditions, preparation for storage and storage itself.

The age of the seeds is considered from the date of collection, and their durability is divided into economic and biological.

For us it is more important economic durability- the time during which a certain (large) percentage of seeds retain the ability to germinate. Here, for example, are indicators of the economic longevity of vegetable seeds (in years):

Biological durability the time during which at least single seeds remain capable of germination:

By the way, the seeds lose their germination capacity gradually. At first, only 25% die. This happens slowly, then the process accelerates and almost all the seeds die, although rare specimens may remain among them that have not lost their germination, unlike all their counterparts.

The main reason why seeds lose their germination faster is their high humidity , therefore, freshly harvested seeds must be dried in the open air, spreading them thin layer on paper or cloth so that moisture is easily absorbed. It is not necessary to dry the seeds in the sun, it is better in the shade with air access. It is dangerous to dry near the stove or battery - it is easy to dry the seeds there.

Be sure to dry the old seeds, especially if you kept them in the country house. unheated house. Do not forget about suitable packaging - bags made of thick paper, linen fabric.

The shell of the seeds is porous, so it easily absorbs moisture from the air, which is why store seeds need in a dry room and at a constant temperature. You can store them in a cellar, refrigerator, but only in an airtight container, for example, in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. The main thing is that the seeds do not absorb moisture, otherwise they will begin to breathe more intensively, lose nutrients, the embryo will wake up prematurely from sleep and die.

Two ways to store seeds

First way used in production: the seeds are specially adjusted to a moisture content of 5–10% and only then they are removed into moisture-proof packaging (for example, polyethylene), and then into fabric bags.

With more high humidity seeds will breathe more intensively and release heat and carbon dioxide. Therefore, if at home it is impossible to dry the seeds to just such a moisture content (5–10%), then they should not be stored in plastic bags, otherwise they may suffocate.

Most suitable for gardeners second way. When drying at home in a warm room, the moisture content of seeds is 10-15%. It is better to pour such seeds into fabric pouch and hang in a room where it is constantly dry and cool.

L. Kalugina, Khimki

Tomato seeds retain good germination up to 5-6 years. If you bought a bag of seeds, you should keep in mind that the expiration date there is the period until which the seeds can be sold, and they can keep their germination for a year, or two, or three after the expiration of the specified date.

The shelf life of tomato seeds is approximately five years. Therefore, it is not necessary that if the expiration date on the pack of seeds has expired, then the tomatoes will not sprout. Although there are exceptions, half of the seeds do not germinate from completely fresh seeds.

Write on the pack, apparently you can do anything, I bought tomatoes, planted, rose in orderly rows). I look for the next year, they are good for another half a year, I planted, two seeds sprouted, so draw your conclusions ..

Tomato seeds, as well as seeds of other plant crops, lose their germination capacity during storage. This must be taken into account when sowing seeds. If the seeds are pre-soaked and then held between layers of damp cloth until they peck, and the seeds with roots are sown, then the germination rate will be 99%.

There is no need to store tomato seeds for a long time. You need to sow fresh seeds. When storing tomato seeds, the yield does not increase. It makes sense to store cucumber seeds and use seeds two and three years old for sowing, since the yield of cucumbers increases compared to seeds a year old, since more female flowers form on them, and therefore there will be more ovaries.

The table below provides data on which seeds can be stored for how many years without loss of germination.

I only buy tomato seeds by mail from Finland, they always have a shelf life with a margin of several years. To ensure 100% germination, store them in a cool, dark place and wake upquot ;, i.e. pour hot water for 2-3 hours when you plant

To the exhaustive answer of spring948374, I will add a couple of words, based on personal experience. I mostly collect my seeds. On each bag I indicate the year of harvest and the name of the variety. If the seeds were soaked before sowing, then the nine-year-old seeds also sprouted. But the most reliable terms are still 4-6 years. I have repeatedly met references to the fact that the longer the seeds are stored, the cleaner they become from pathogens, but I personally do not believe this, the same phytophthora in the soil lives for many years and is healthy. Seeds are best collected only in those seasons when there are no outbreaks of diseases and try to collect more, with a margin for not very successful and healthy years.

tomato seeds can remain suitable for sowing long enough without loss of germination if properly stored in foil packaging in a dark and dry place at room temperature. I have sprouted tomato seeds, purchased even 7-8 years old back. But before planting, I will definitely wet them and germinate them in a wet cotton rag. Then the germination of seeds is very high, almost one hundred percent.

But for a greater probability of their germination, we focus on average term shelf life of tomato seeds is five years.

As far as I know, the approximate shelf life of tomato seeds is 5 years. Moreover, the longer the seeds are stored, the worse their germination becomes. Therefore, I personally prefer to buy fresh seeds every year, although I have never been convinced that older seeds do not greatly lose their sowing qualities.



Tomato seeds can be stored for 5-6 years or take into account the expiration date indicated on the package. With more long-term storage it is also likely that the seeds will sprout, but the germination rate will be far from 100%, since many of the embryos in the seeds will die. Last year I planted seeds of cucumbers 10-15 years old, only 25-30 percent sprouted, not surprising - many embryos have already died.

these are the tomato seeds I buy, there are a lot of seeds in a pack of 320-350 pcs and the cost is only 200 rubles. They have been stored with me for 2 years (you can’t plant everything right away :)))



Every year, the germination of seeds decreases, therefore, before sowing, it is recommended to check for germination. Plant a dozen seeds early and see what percentage has risen. And from this indicator to focus on the future.

The seeds of cucumbers, beets, carrots retain good germination for the longest time, the shelf life is about 5 years and a little more. If the seeds are provided with a dry, cool and dark place, then nothing will happen to the seeds.

Parsnip and chives seeds are best to have own production, after harvesting, do not leave for storage, but immediately sow

Tomato seeds are stored for about five years. If the germination test showed 30 percent or less of germinated seeds, then an urgent need to purchase a new batch. And throw these away, the seeds are already unusable

The shelf life of tomato seeds is on average 5-6 years.. On the packaging with seeds, the expiration date of the seeds is often indicated, manufacturers insure themselves and indicate a period of a year or two less than the expiration date so that the buyer is not left without a crop.

The shelf life of seeds also depends on storage conditions.. Seeds in foil packaging have a longer shelf life.

I prefer to get my seeds every year or every other year. Then there is no doubt about freshness. But this number will not work with hybrids. I buy them that spring, when I am going to sow purchased seeds and always get good germination and an excellent harvest!

Good harvests!