Hi Eloise - My experience is that MG seeds can remain viable for many years if storage conditions are favorable.

Cool and dry conditions are best and I have had Ipomoea nil seeds germinate after being in storage for over 50 years...

I would suggest soaking in warm , shallow (just enough to cover the seeds) water for a few ( 2-3 hours).
Use a high quality germination medium like milled sphagnum moss (not peat) , or place the seeds in paper towel in a baggie or small plastic container (at about 70 to 85 degrees).
Check on the seeds daily to see what they are doing...rinse/ flush away any discolored exudate...

Let us know how your seeds do and ask any questions you need to...

Best,

Ron

I just had an 8 year old seed sprout for me this week. The seed is a miracle of life, isn't it?

Thank you so much Ron! The seeds have been in a file cabinet in small plastic bags (cool and dry). I will try the paper towel method. I might have some sphagnum moss in the garage, but wondered, do you think Coir might also work?

gerris, indeed a miracle of life! Several years ago, I talked to a lady at UCLA that was involved in sprouting/growing lotus seeds that were ancient (forgot now how old the seeds were, but it was news in the botanical world!).

Coir may work...the coir can differ in the amount of salt it contains and how many times it may (or may not have been) thoroughly rinsed to try to get the salt out of it...

I'd say use whatever germination materials & tools you have on hand , unless the seeds happen to be particularly rare or precious to you...

Thanks Ron.

eloise, I find that different ones act differently. Heavenly Blue is one that really has to be fresh from my experience, yet other varieties germinate even when quite old. :) Arum.

Thanks Arum. I'll wait another month orso and then sow the JMG seeds I have and see what happens. I don't want to sow indoors because I don't want to deal with knats.