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For maximum germination it's
best to use seeds in the first season after they were harvested. However this
is not always possible or practical. Below is a chart listing
some of the most common vegetables and their maximum seed shelf
life. Seeds older than these shelf life periods should be thrown
out. Note that these times are for ideal storage conditions.
If seeds are kept in hot or damp conditions they will not last nearly as
long.
| |
SEED
STORAGE SHELF LIVES |
|
| |
VEGETABLE |
YEARS |
VEGETABLE |
YEARS |
|
| |
Basil |
5 |
New Zealand Spinach |
6 |
|
|
|
Broad Bean |
4 |
Onion |
2 |
|
| |
Broccoli |
5 |
Parsnip |
1 |
|
| |
Brussels Sprouts |
4 |
Pea |
3 |
|
| |
Cabbage |
4 |
Pumpkin |
4 |
|
| |
Carrot |
3 |
Radish |
4 |
|
| |
Cauliflower |
4 |
Rocket 2 |
2 |
|
| |
Celery |
5 |
Silverbeet |
10 |
|
| |
Chinese Cabbage |
5 |
Spinach |
5 |
|
| |
Corn |
3 |
Spring Onion |
2 |
|
| |
Cucumber |
4 |
Sunflower |
5 |
|
| |
Eggplant |
5 |
Tomato |
4 |
|
| |
Leek |
3 |
Turnip |
5 |
|
| |
Lettuce |
5 |
|
|
|
|