From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Billings, MT

Hello all!

I received some giant pumpkin seeds from growers on the site around 5 years ago, and I finally have the chance to really concentrate on growing this coming spring and summer. My question is can I still use these seeds that are probably 5-6 years old? They have been in a Ziploc bag in drawer undisturbed. Thank you for your replies and help!

ZM

2/5/2017 11:51:50 AM

Aurora

ZM
You certainly could try test sprouting in a pot of soil or wet paper towel. If you have a heat mat and grow light then you can put the pot with soil and seed on the mat under the light. If you use a wet paper towel just place it in a zip lock bag and keep an eye on the action.
Hope that helps!

2/5/2017 12:33:40 PM

Colorado

You should be able to get a descent % of them to sprout.

2/5/2017 12:51:38 PM

Billings, MT

Thank you! We will see what happens.

2/5/2017 1:36:30 PM

Randlett, Oklahoma

What is the "ideal" way to store seeds? If you just keep them dry in a dresser drawer should you not expext them to last long?

2/5/2017 9:25:03 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

jake, have read over and over and over, that freezer is the best way to keep seeds for long term. I have kept them in a "dresser drawer" for over 5 years and had them sprout...but if a top shelf seed, that you would want to save, then I would guess that you should do it correctly!! Try site search...how to save seeds long term" & see what comes up..then let me know!!! LOL Peace, Wayne

2/5/2017 11:56:58 PM

Pittsburgh, PA

I'm trying to sprout some 17 year old AGs right now. Been filed soaked bagged and on heat mat for 2 days.

2/6/2017 3:22:38 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Jay, just curious...what is temp at seed level? soaked how long? bagged? Have you peeked yet? More details would be nice!!! Keep us informed, 17 yrs. is a long time! Peace, Wayne
Oh yeah...what 17 year old seeds are you testing with?

2/6/2017 11:47:52 PM

Central Illinois

I think some 17 year old seeds could sprout,depending on how rough of a time they have had, keeping them at a constant mild temp works for quite a while

2/7/2017 10:05:26 AM

Pittsburgh, PA

I filed then soaked overnight in warm water with a tablespoon of peroxide. Then I rinsed them with warm water soaked a paper towel and wrung it almost dry. Wrapped seeds in paper towel. Placed seeds in ziplock bag and now on heating mat. Temp is 85-90 degrees. Seed is 600 uow Yohe 2001. I misread tag on seeds before so they are 16 years old. Grown from a 983 Ciliberto and pollinated by a 760 Patrick according to tag on seeds.

2/7/2017 3:32:53 PM

Pittsburgh, PA

I peeked today and no sign of life. Gonna try again with a longer soak.

2/7/2017 3:33:31 PM

Randlett, Oklahoma

Jay how have they been stored? just curious. Also have you had them all the 16 years or did you get them a few years ago from someone else. just trying to account for as much of their storage as possible.

2/7/2017 8:53:45 PM

Pittsburgh, PA

Stored in a plastic peanut butter jar with what looks like some small pieces of stone. Possibly those little absorption packets that come with lots of items but they were broken open. Have another set of 10 seeds filed and soaking right now. Also have some 768 Yohe 04 filed and soaking as well.

2/7/2017 9:26:50 PM

Pittsburgh, PA

Got these seeds from my dad when he passed away 5 years ago. They are seeds from one of his pumpkins. Most likely stored at room temp in the peanut butter jar since he dried them out.

2/7/2017 9:29:08 PM