You may be wondering if you can still plant your old flower seeds from last year. This post will help you figure out how long old seeds will last.
While some older seeds may not grow as well as they used to, most will still likely sprout and grow after a couple of years. Understanding the shelf life of these seeds is important for a successful planting season.
Whether they are heirloom seeds from last year or brand-new seeds you just bought, the viability of your seeds can have a big impact on how well your garden blooms. I’ll talk about the main things that affect how long your old garden seeds will last and give gardeners a flower seed viability chart as a general guide.
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Seed viability refers to the ability of the seed to germinate and grow into a healthy plant.
Several things affect this, such as how old the seeds are, what kind of plant they come from, and how long they can be stored.
Not all seeds are created equal. Perennial flower seeds may have a different life expectancy than annual or vegetable seeds.
Things like room temperature, the amount of water in the seed, and how much direct sunlight it gets all affect how long it lasts.
Marigolds are a beloved and easy to grow annual flower. Their bright, vibrant blooms come in shades of yellow, orange, red and white and add cheer to gardens and landscape beds. As a prolific self-seeding flower, gardeners often collect and save leftover marigold seeds from season to season. But how long will marigold seeds remain viable?
When stored properly, marigold seeds can maintain good germination rates for 1-2 years. However, viability declines over time so it’s recommended to use seeds within a year or two of harvest. Here’s a detailed guide to marigold seed viability and storage to help you make the most of your saved seeds.
Factors Affecting Marigold Seed Longevity
Several key factors impact how long marigold seeds will last:
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Seed age – Newly harvested seeds have higher viability than older seeds Marigold seeds are typically not viable for longer than 1-2 years
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Storage conditions – Cool, dark, and dry environments prolong viability. Storing seeds properly is crucial
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Seed variety – Some marigold varieties, like triploids, have shorter lifespans than others.
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Seed quality – Heirloom and open-pollinated seeds often have better viability over time than hybrids.
Optimal Storage Conditions for Marigold Seeds
To maximize shelf life, store marigold seeds in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature is around 40° F. The seeds should be kept in an airtight container at a humidity level below 50 percent. Glass jars, plastic containers, or zipper bags all work well for storage.
You can include a silica gel pack inside the container to absorb excess moisture. Make sure to label containers with the seed variety and year collected. Avoid exposing seeds to heat, humidity or direct sunlight. The refrigerator is an excellent place for long-term storage.
Expected Viability Period for Marigold Seeds
When stored properly, marigold seeds typically remain viable for:
- 1-2 years for annual and heirloom varieties
- 1 year or less for hybrids and triploids
However, viability declines over time. Older seeds become less likely to germinate.
Ideally, marigold seeds should be used within 1 year of harvest. Very few seeds remain viable after 2 years in storage.
If sowing older seeds, it’s advisable to test the germination rate first.
Tips for Collecting and Storing Marigold Seeds
Follow these tips to successfully collect and store your own marigold seeds:
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Allow seed heads to fully mature and dry on the plant before harvesting.
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Collect seeds on a dry, sunny day. Place seed heads upside down in a paper bag and shake to release the seeds.
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Discard any seeds that appear discolored, moldy or damaged. Select only the largest, healthiest seeds.
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Spread seeds in a single layer on paper towels or screens and allow to dry for 1-2 weeks. Wait until seeds are brittle.
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Place dried seeds in an airtight glass jar or zipper bag and store in the refrigerator immediately.
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Clear labeling is important to track seed age. Include the variety and year collected.
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Avoid temperature fluctuations. Discard any seeds that get moist during storage.
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For best results, use seeds within 1 year. Viability quickly declines after 2 years.
Testing Germination of Old Seeds
Before sowing marigold seeds that are over a year old, it’s advisable to test the germination rate. Here are two simple methods:
Paper towel method: Place seeds between moist paper towels and store in a sealed plastic bag in warm location. Check daily and count the number that germinate.
Direct sowing: Plant a sample of seeds at the right depth in pots. Provide warmth and moisture. Count the seedlings that emerge.
This gives an estimate of the viability percentage so you can determine if the seeds are worth sowing.
Troubleshooting Poor Viability in Stored Seeds
If you notice low germination rates in stored marigold seeds, here are some potential causes:
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Storage temperature too high – High heat causes seeds to lose viability faster. Keep seeds below 40° F.
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Excess moisture – Humidity damages seeds in storage. Include silica gel packs to absorb moisture.
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Direct light exposure – Light can degrade seeds. Use dark, opaque containers for storage.
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Seed age over 2 years – Marigold seeds rarely stay viable beyond 2 years, even with proper storage.
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Hybrid seeds – Some hybrids have poorer longevity than heirloom varieties.
If viability is low, you may need to discard old seeds and start fresh seeds for the best results.
Can You Save Marigold Seeds from Year to Year?
Marigolds readily self-seed, making it easy to collect fresh seeds every year. There’s no need to store seeds for many years.
Collecting seeds from open-pollinated marigold varieties and storing them properly allows you to replant them for 1-2 seasons before viability declines.
Hybrid marigold seeds are generally only good for replanting one year. For a continuous supply of seeds, let some of your marigolds self-sow each year.
How Long Do Marigold Seeds Last: Key Takeaways
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Marigold seeds stored under ideal cool, dry, and dark conditions can remain viable for up to 2 years.
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Viability decreases over time. Older seeds are less likely to germinate well.
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For best results, use collected seeds within 1 year.
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Check germination rates on old seeds before planting.
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Letting marigolds self-sow annually provides fresh seed.
With proper storage, marigold seeds can retain good viability for a season or two. Follow these tips to make the most of your saved seeds!
References:
Seed Labeling and Organization
Clearly label each container or bag with the type of seed, variety, and date. This will help track the age of the seeds and organize your seed collection efficiently.
Check out my favorite supplies and tools for starting seeds indoors. If you want to know what I use in my greenhouse for grow lights or seed starting mix, look no further.
Optimal Seed Storage Conditions
The best way to keep seeds, whether they are old, heirloom, or extra from a new packet, is to follow the best seed storage practices. This will keep the seeds’ ability to germinate and increase the amount of time they can be used.
Seeds thrive in conditions that simulate their natural dormant state, which is cool, dry, and dark. Here’s how to achieve these optimal conditions.
Saving Marigolds Seeds-How To collect seeds And Never Buy Marigolds Again
FAQ
How can you tell if marigold seeds are good?
Will 2 year old marigold seeds germinate?
Do marigold seeds get old?
Can marigolds reseed themselves?
How long do marigold seeds last?
Marigold seeds, if stored properly, can last up to 5 years. However, in general, they last up to 3 years. To properly store the seeds use an envelope or in their original seed packet. After that, store that in an airtight bag or jar. Finally, keep the bag or jar in the refrigerator between 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do chia seeds remain good after opening?
Chia seeds, when stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dry place, can last up to two years after the date of manufacture. However, the quality of the seeds can be affected by factors such as humidity, light and heat. It is not possible to say how long they will last without knowing what conditions the seeds will be subjected to.
Are marigold seeds still viable after a year?
The seeds were still viable the following year. Tagetes (Tall marigolds) might take even longer to dry out on the stems. The most important thing when you collect marigold seeds: Don’t be in a hurry to get it done!
What is the life cycle of a Marigold?
The life cycle of a marigold typically begins with seed germination, followed by the growth of seedlings, then leaves, stems, and eventually flowers. Marigolds bloom throughout the growing season and after flowering, they may produce seeds as they complete their life cycle.
Why do marigold seeds take so long to dry?
Because it may take marigold seeds longer to dry than other seeds. First of all, they’re pretty large seeds, compared to other annuals such as poppies, nigella, zinnia or cosmos, for example. So there’s a larger surface area that needs to dry. Remember that marigold petals will stain fabric, so remove them before drying the seeds.
Do marigold seeds fall off?
Notice the small, brown flowers that appear to be dead – these are perfect for harvesting seeds. Be careful, though! The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the seeds will fall off or be eaten by hungry birds. Compared with other flowers like zinnias, marigold seeds are very simple to collect and store.