oh... so much depends upon the plant. Such a broad subject to tackle.

As far as viability, it generally ranges from one year or less (things like onions don't stay viable long) to 7-9 years typically being the numbers used for plants like tomatoes and peppers. The 'odd' seed in a lot can last much longer, but the percentage of germination goes down and the quality of seedling suffers. Viability is a function of storage technique too!

This is a terrific reference site that explains and shows tons of detail for various seeds, what they look like when ripe, how to sow them, etc. http://theseedsite.co.uk/

Hope that helps, and perhaps you can follow up by identifying the plants you're interested in harvesting seeds from. Beware that seed collecting is addicting. :)

Yes, more information on the plant(s) that you are talking about would help. I suspect that what you are seeing is not actually the seed. Most seeds are not green and most flowers will produce more than one seed (some produce hundreds). The seed(s) maybe contained inside the item you are talking about.

- Brent

Hi Ravi,
Most seeds are viable for quite a while..maybe years if stored in an appropriate condition. The link below is very useful. Just look around. Don't be daunted by those strange latin names. Just take your time and click wherever you fancy. Once you get used to that, go check other forums such as growing from seeds and Winter Sowing and enjoy yourself. It's really fun. The folks at the Winter Sowing forum are very helpful. They'll greet you and your questions with open arms.

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/wtrsow/

Here is a link that might be useful: Seeds and seedpods

Here's is a link to the WS forum:

Here is a link that might be useful: Winter Sowing FAQ

Piti, that is a great site for seeds! How could I have missed it for so long! Ravi, if you need seeds there are always people on the winter sowing site who will send you some & walk you through planting them. (including me!) I was a newbie last year & received WAY more than I could plant!
Maggie

We can help! Join us on the Winter Sowing Forum and we can walk you through starting plants from seed. We also discuss gathering seed and other fun projects. If you need/want some easy to grow seed, email me and I will send you some freebies that you can sow right now.