How long do alfalfa seeds last?
I have some in original sealed packages that I purchased about 5 years ago. Would it be safe to sprout them? It's not the cost of buying new ones, but I have to drive a fair bit to find a store who sells them. Thanks.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Its not a matter of safety at all.
Not everything old is suddenly dangerous.
IT is a matter of percentage of germination.
For example, if you have 100 seeds that are from this year, 95% of them will germinate.
Next year those same seeds will germinate at about 80%.
Every year after that, the percentage of germination lowers as fewer seeds are still viable.
Put 10 of the seeds on a damp kleenex and keep them damp. See how many actually germinate. That will tell you roughly if it is worth planting them or not. If none germinate, they are too old and no longer viable. if most of the 10 germinate, you have a good batch of seeds.
They would be safe but would they sprout, that is the question. If they are moldy, toss them. Most seeds will only germinate for a year or two'