How were your seeds stored? They should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place in the original envelope or something similar. If they were improperly stored any seed will die before it is used. I don't usually use pelleted seed but I have kept, sprouted and grew petunia seeds that were a couple of years old.

I think the storage of the seeds has more to do with your lack of germination than the seeds themselves

Agree. Proper seed storage is vital. Pelleted seed storage is especially important. Exposure to humidity or heat will destroy pelleted seed faster than non pelleted because of the clay coating.

Dave

Seed storage is my basement in a dark location. We definitely do not have a humidity problem in there right now. Plus, the pelleted seeds were shipped in a little sealable vial, so they're even more protected. The vial is inside the seed envelope as well.

I generally store my seeds in a plastic bag in the fridge.