These are Lincoln peas that I bought back in 2006 (or maybe 2005), and as you can see, time has been kind to them. Since I tested 10 of each kind of seed, the percentage math was pretty easy to figure out. These peas had a 90% germination rate and that's just as good as fresh seed in my opinion.
The old broccoli, leeks, squashes and peas all had great sprouting powers, so I won't buy any of those this year. Not everything did well though. The soybeans only had a 50% germination rate and some things, like the butternut squash only managed to grow mold.
It is important to note that sometimes patience is required when waiting for seeds to do their thing. Three of the tests, - the Ace pepper, the Early Nelson carrot and the Orion fennel - had poor to no results after only one week. Since they didn't get moldy, I put them back in a baggie for another week and that extra time was all they needed. The fennel went from 30% to 50%, 50% of the carrots had growth and the peppers had a 90% germination rate.
I'll try to toss out any of the seeds that did worse than 60%, so that I don't accidentally plant those seeds instead of the fresh ones. I say try because my thrifty Yankee blood hates to throw out anything that may still be useful. With the money I save from not having to reorder seeds I already have, I'll finally be able to buy that Ironwood Dibble I've had my eye on for a couple of years!
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