I Tested Seed Viability: 2019 vs 2025 Seeds
I tested 6-year-old seeds against fresh seeds. Here’s the germination rate difference.
The Test
10 seeds each. Paper towel method. 7 days. Same conditions.
The Results
| Variety | 2019 Seeds | 2025 Seeds |
|---|---|---|
| Radish | 7/10 | 10/10 |
| Lettuce | 5/10 | 9/10 |
| Bean | 6/10 | 9/10 |
| Tomato | 4/10 | 8/10 |
| Carrot | 2/10 | 8/10 |
What I Learned
- Radishes and beans last. 6 years, still 60-70%.
- Carrots don’t last. 2 years max.
- Tomatoes last 4-6 years.
- Test before planting. Paper towel method.
What I Do Now
Label seeds with year. Test old ones before planting. Buy new carrot seeds every year.