Seed viability chart
How many years seeds stay viable when you store them cool and dry. Check your seed packet or do a germination test.
Step 1 of 2
Which seeds do you have?
| Plant | Viable for | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fruiting vegetables · 10 | ||
| Aubergine (eggplant) | 4 years | University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension (Lindgren, Browning) |
| Cape gooseberry | – | – |
| Chilli pepper | – | – |
| Cucumber | 5–6 years | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Melon | 5 years | University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension (Lindgren, Browning) |
| Pumpkin and winter squash | 4–5 years | Bundesverband der Kleingartenvereine Deutschlands (ehem. BDG) |
| Sweet pepper | 2 years | University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension (Lindgren, Browning) |
| Sweetcorn | 2 years | University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension (Lindgren, Browning) |
| Tomato | 4–10 years | Landwirtschaftskammer Nordrhein-Westfalen (Ulrike Lindner) |
| Zucchini (courgette) | 6 years | University of Illinois Extension (Jan Phipps) |
| Beans and peas · 6 | ||
| Broad bean (fava bean) | – | – |
| Bush bean | 5–10 years | ProSpecieRara |
| Pea | 3–4 years | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Pole bean | 5–10 years | ProSpecieRara |
| Runner bean | – | – |
| Sugar snap and snow pea | 5 years | ProSpecieRara |
| Cabbages and turnips · 12 | ||
| Broccoli | 3 years | University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension (Lindgren, Browning) |
| Brussels sprouts | 4 years | Colorado State University Extension (Ells, Bass, Whiting) |
| Cauliflower | 4 years | University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension (Lindgren, Browning) |
| Chinese cabbage | 3 years | Colorado State University Extension (Ells, Bass, Whiting) |
| Kale | 4 years | Colorado State University Extension (Ells, Bass, Whiting) |
| Kohlrabi | 3 years | Colorado State University Extension (Ells, Bass, Whiting) |
| Pak choi | 5 years | University of Illinois Extension (Jan Phipps) |
| Red cabbage | 4–5 years | Bundesverband der Kleingartenvereine Deutschlands (ehem. BDG) |
| Savoy cabbage | 4–5 years | Bundesverband der Kleingartenvereine Deutschlands (ehem. BDG) |
| Swede (rutabaga) | 4 years | Colorado State University Extension (Ells, Bass, Whiting) |
| Turnip | 4 years | Colorado State University Extension (Ells, Bass, Whiting) |
| White cabbage | 4 years | University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension (Lindgren, Browning) |
| Roots and tubers · 10 | ||
| Beetroot | 4–5 years | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Black salsify | buy fresh each year | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Carrot | 3–4 years | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Celeriac | 3–4 years | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Hamburg parsley | buy fresh each year | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Parsnip | buy fresh each year | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Potato | – | – |
| Radish | 4–5 years | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Sweet potato | – | – |
| Winter radish (daikon) | 4–5 years | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Onions and leeks · 5 | ||
| Garlic | – | – |
| Leek | 1–2 years | Bundesverband der Kleingartenvereine Deutschlands (ehem. BDG) |
| Onion | 1–2 years | Bundesverband der Kleingartenvereine Deutschlands (ehem. BDG) |
| Shallot | – | – |
| Spring onion (scallion) | – | – |
| Salads and leafy greens · 12 | ||
| Butterhead lettuce | 3–4 years | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Celery | 3 years | University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension (Lindgren, Browning) |
| Endive | 5 years | University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension (Lindgren, Browning) |
| Florence fennel | 4 years | South Dakota State University Extension (Sheila Hillberry u. a.) |
| Garden cress | 5 years | Johnny's Selected Seeds |
| Iceberg lettuce | 2–3 years | ProSpecieRara |
| Lamb’s lettuce (corn salad) | 2–3 years | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Loose-leaf lettuce | 2–3 years | ProSpecieRara |
| Radicchio | 4 years | University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension (Lindgren, Browning) |
| Rocket (arugula) | 3 years | University of Illinois Extension (Jan Phipps) |
| Spinach | 4–5 years | Bundesverband der Kleingartenvereine Deutschlands (ehem. BDG) |
| Swiss chard | 4 years | University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension (Lindgren, Browning) |
| Herbs · 15 | ||
| Basil | 4 years | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Borage | 1–4 years | Johnny's Selected Seeds |
| Chervil | 1–4 years | Johnny's Selected Seeds |
| Chives | 1 year | DLR Rheinland-Pfalz (K. Mahler) |
| Coriander (cilantro) | 2–3 years | DLR Rheinland-Pfalz (K. Mahler) |
| Dill | 2–3 years | DLR Rheinland-Pfalz (K. Mahler) |
| Lavender | – | – |
| Lemon balm | 1–4 years | Johnny's Selected Seeds |
| Mint | – | – |
| Oregano | 4 years | Johnny's Selected Seeds |
| Parsley | 2–3 years | Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG) |
| Rosemary | – | – |
| Sage | 1–3 years | Johnny's Selected Seeds |
| Summer savory | 1–4 years | Johnny's Selected Seeds |
| Thyme | 1–4 years | Johnny's Selected Seeds |
| Flowers · 5 | ||
| French marigold (tagetes) | 2–5 years | Johnny's Selected Seeds |
| Nasturtium | 3–7 years | Johnny's Selected Seeds |
| Pot marigold (calendula) | 4–6 years | Johnny's Selected Seeds |
| Sunflower | 3–5 years | Johnny's Selected Seeds |
| Sweet alyssum | – | – |
| Green manure · 4 | ||
| Buckwheat | – | – |
| Oilseed radish | – | – |
| Phacelia | – | – |
| White mustard | – | – |
| Perennials · 6 | ||
| Asparagus | 3 years | University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension (Lindgren, Browning) |
| Globe artichoke | – | – |
| Horseradish | – | – |
| Jerusalem artichoke | – | – |
| Rhubarb | – | – |
| Strawberry | – | – |
For seed stored cool and dry. If it is older, do a germination test before sowing. “–” means our sources give no value for it.
Germination test: how to do it
- Put about three layers of kitchen paper in a jar and wet it well, without leaving standing water.
- Scatter 5, 10 or 20 seeds on top, depending on how many you can spare. Cover large seeds such as beetroot, sunflower or squash with a second damp layer.
- Rest the lid on top without screwing it on, or it will go mouldy.
- Fruiting crops such as tomato, pepper, cucumber or squash like it warm: on top of a cupboard in a heated room. A windowsill is too cold for them. Lettuce prefers it cool, and light germinators should not sit in the darkest corner.
- Check every one or two days and add water if needed.
- After one to two weeks most seeds have germinated; some, such as physalis, take longer. Soak beans and peas in a jar of water for 8 to 12 hours instead; they should germinate within a week.
Then count how many have germinated. If fewer than 60% come up, better not sow it any more. At 60 to 80%, sow a little more thickly.
Sources: Dreschflegel (Alex Fritzsch), LfULG Sachsen / Sächsische Gartenakademie (Regina Petzoldt)
How to make seed last longer
- Ideally dry, below 10 °C and airtight. (Gartenakademie Rheinland-Pfalz (DLR))
- Keep seed cool, dry and dark, avoid big temperature swings and direct sun. Jars with a rubber seal in the lid work best. (Bundesverband Deutscher Gartenfreunde)
- Dryness matters most: every extra percent of moisture in the seed halves its life. (ARCHE NOAH Magazin 4/2015 (Florian Luf))
- Boiler rooms (warm), vegetable cellars (damp), lofts (big temperature swings) and most garden sheds are unsuitable. (Dreschflegel)
Which year is on the packet?
- German vegetable seed packets must show the season (1 July to 30 June) in which the packet was sealed or germination last tested. The end of that season may be printed instead. (Saatgutverordnung (SaatV), Anlage 6 (zu §§ 40 und 42 Abs. 1))
- A season runs from 1 July to 30 June, for example 2025/2026. On standard seed it may be a letter code: 2025/2026 is “S”. The Federal Plant Variety Office sets the letter each year. (LALLF Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Anerkennungsstelle für Saat- und Pflanzgut)
- Seed has no best-before date: seeds are living plants at rest. (Dreschflegel (Alex Fritzsch))
- Letters of recent years (German packets): S = 2025/2026, H = 2024/2025, W = 2023/2024, B = 2022/2023, G = 2021/2022, A = 2020/2021 (LALLF Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Anerkennungsstelle für Saat- und Pflanzgut)
Questions and answers
How long do seeds last?
Stored cool and dry, 1 to 10 years depending on the plant. Short-lived: sweet peppers, sweetcorn, parsnips, Hamburg parsley, black salsify, onions, leeks and chives. Long-lived: cucumbers, zucchini, melons, bush beans, pole beans, sugar snap and snow peas, pak choi, endive and garden cress. If yours are older, a germination test shows whether they still come up.
How long does tomato seed last?
4–10 years when stored cool and dry, according to Landwirtschaftskammer Nordrhein-Westfalen (Ulrike Lindner). If it is older, do a germination test before sowing.
How long does carrot seed last?
3–4 years when stored cool and dry, according to Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG). If it is older, do a germination test before sowing.
How long does butterhead lettuce seed last?
3–4 years when stored cool and dry, according to Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG). If it is older, do a germination test before sowing.
How long does bush bean seed last?
5–10 years when stored cool and dry, according to ProSpecieRara. If it is older, do a germination test before sowing.
How long does pea seed last?
3–4 years when stored cool and dry, according to Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG). If it is older, do a germination test before sowing.
How do I do a germination test?
Put 5, 10 or 20 seeds on damp kitchen paper in a jar, rest the lid on top and keep it warm (fruiting crops) or cool (lettuce). After one to two weeks, count: under 60% germinated means new seed, 60 to 80% means sow more thickly.
What does the year on a seed packet mean?
German vegetable seed packets must show the season (1 July to 30 June) in which the packet was sealed or germination last tested. The end of that season may be printed instead. A season runs from 1 July to 30 June, for example 2025/2026. On standard seed it may be a letter code: 2025/2026 is “S”. The Federal Plant Variety Office sets the letter each year.
Can I still use old seed?
Seed has no best-before date: seeds are living plants at rest. How long it germinates depends on the plant and on storage. Check the chart or do a germination test.
Sources
Show 22 sources
- Landwirtschaftskammer Nordrhein-Westfalen (Ulrike Lindner): Rund um die Tomate (o. J.)
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension (Lindgren, Browning): Vegetable Garden Seed Storage and Germination Requirements, G2090 (Juni 2011), Table I
- Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG): Gemüse im Gartenjahr – Hinweise und Anregungen zum Biogarten (Infoschrift 2101)
- University of Illinois Extension (Jan Phipps): Is it okay to save unused seeds for the following year? (1. Dezember 2022)
- Bundesverband der Kleingartenvereine Deutschlands (ehem. BDG): Keimfähigkeit von Saatgut (Blog, 01.01.2023)
- ProSpecieRara: Grundlagen Gemüse-Samenbau (nach Frank Adams, o. J.)
- Colorado State University Extension (Ells, Bass, Whiting): Storing Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Fact Sheet 7.221, Table 1
- Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG): Pastinake (Infoschrift 2157)
- Johnny's Selected Seeds: Seed Viability & Seed Storage Guidelines (Storage Charts)
- South Dakota State University Extension (Sheila Hillberry u. a.): How to Store Leftover Garden Seeds (aktualisiert 1. Mai 2024)
- DLR Rheinland-Pfalz (K. Mahler): Anbau- und Sortenhinweise für den Gemüseanbau in Rheinland-Pfalz – Dill 2024/2025 (Stand 30.01.2024)
- DLR Rheinland-Pfalz (K. Mahler): Anbau- und Sortenhinweise für den Gemüseanbau in Rheinland-Pfalz – Koriander, Blatt 2024/2025 (Stand 12.01.2024)
- DLR Rheinland-Pfalz (K. Mahler): Anbau- und Sortenhinweise für den Gemüseanbau in Rheinland-Pfalz – Schnittlauch 2024/2025
- Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG): Basilikum – ein königliches Kraut (Infoschrift, o. J.)
- Dreschflegel (Alex Fritzsch): Keimtestanleitung (o. J.)
- LfULG Sachsen / Sächsische Gartenakademie (Regina Petzoldt): Krankheiten und Schädlinge beim Anbau von Küchenkräutern im Garten (Stand Februar 2009)
- Gartenakademie Rheinland-Pfalz (DLR): Allgemeines zum Samenkauf (o. J.)
- Bundesverband Deutscher Gartenfreunde: Grüne Schriftenreihe 278 – Fachberatung I, Nachwuchs im Kleingarten (2022)
- ARCHE NOAH Magazin 4/2015 (Florian Luf): Ab ins Glas! (Saatgutlagerung)
- Dreschflegel: Über den Umgang mit dem Saatgut (o. J.)
- Saatgutverordnung (SaatV), Anlage 6 (zu §§ 40 und 42 Abs. 1): Kleinpackungen – Höchstmengen und Kennzeichnung
- LALLF Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Anerkennungsstelle für Saat- und Pflanzgut: Verpackung und Kennzeichnung von Kleinpackungen mit Gemüsearten „Bunte Tüten“ (Stand 2025, Datei Hinweis Gemüsesaat 2026)
Retrieved on 26 October 2026. Facts in our own words, one source per value.
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