That's very cool! Makes me think I could/should get some of my old seeds and try this... Thanks for sharing.

well...it does depend a lot on the storage conditions. A year in my damp, non-fragrant shed removes every trace of viability...but stored on paper envelopes in decently closing containers (ideally in a fridge) can maintain viability of (many) seeds for years - tomatoes, salvia, curcubits, poppies can be kept for decades...parsley and carrots, less so...while some tree seeds, no matter how carefully preserved, measure viability in weeks (black poplar).

gdinie, did the hensol harebell seeds arrive? I was slightly nervous as a shake of the envelope did give the game away a bit (obvious seed rattling around). Can easily replace, with better packing, if not.

007, did you not get my email message? I thanked you as soon as I got them, weeks ago! I think I am seeing a few seedlings. There are also wood sorrel seedlings there, and at this tiny stage it is hard to be sure, but I think they are coming. I am so excited to have Hensol Harebell again, thank you so much!

I kept my seeds in paper envelopes, in an old coffee container, in the back of the fridge. Seems to work!

This gives me an idea -- instead of trying to direct-sow some annuals, sow them in some tissue paper first then plant out once sprouted. None of my direct-sowed zinnia sprouted this year except one, maybe this method would work. Hmmm...

Interesting post, since this past winter I decided what the heck and went ahead and sowed some seeds from the early aughts and late 90's. I didn't have any luck though. Perhaps I should have tried the paper towel method. But then again my seeds are not very carefully stored.

Gotta say it amazed me to see seeds from 1992 and the like in my seedbox! I couldn't believe it had been that long since I had sown some of those flowers. Geez time does fly.

I had been thinking, instead of throwing away these old seeds I would at the very least dump them in the garden and see what happens, but maybe I will try being a little more methodical and try the paper.

gdinie let us know how things turn out!

:)

Dee

I am new to this method. I think it is often used to test the viability of seeds, but I may use it more often now, not just to know whether the seeds are sprouting, but also to easily keep an eye on the seedlings. Not too often: I don't have room for more plants :-(.

007: success! After some rain it is very clear that Hensol Harebell is coming up.

O excellent. Have been having PC issues for ages so internet use has been sporadic.

So let me know if there's anything else you fancy since we seem to be able to get our hands on a decent enough range of seeds here in the UK (despite Brexit which cocked things up a bit).

Wow. How exciting!

Great thread @gdinieontarioz5!

Awesome! And encouraging lol. Thanks for the update!

Oh, and... "...I don't have room for more plants :-(...."

Lol, when has that ever stopped any of us?

:)

Dee

Hihihi Dee, so true. But I do try, as I find that plants that have a bit of room to spread their stems, look and bloom better.