Seeds do they go bad??

So I have inherited some seeds no idea how old they are but kept in a dark cool area from what I have been told! I put them in a cup of water for a day let em sink then paper toweled em! They have been in the towel for a day or two now when should I see growth?? What are signs that they are dead? Thank you in advance!

Yes they can

BobThe420Builder said:

Yes they can

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What would is the average time for sprouts to come up??

I'd leave them in the cup till u see them crack

May take a few days

BobThe420Builder said:

I'd leave them in the cup till u see them crack

May take a few days

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Alright I’ll do that then and report back here if it worked or not ty!!

Next time try a seed starter with some sphagnum moss media like from general hydroponics. I had good results with that.

Yeah they can go bad. As to when, who knows, I’d imagine there’s a lot of variable involved.

I know I’ve found, popped, and grown out 6-7 year old improperly stored seeds before, with no issue.

Cinco said:

Yeah they can go bad. As to when, who knows, I’d imagine there’s a lot of variable involved.

I know I’ve found, popped, and grown out 6-7 year old improperly stored seeds before, with no issue.

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So it’s looking like a toss up on whether they will work or not then I’ll keep on trying then and see! Plant biology is crazy! Haha

Like others have said you can germinate seeds up to like 6 years old pretty easily. If properly stored in the vegetable crisper in the fridge properly sealed 10 years old is possible.

I would have kept them in the moist towels personally. Not back in the water. Remember the paper towel should be put on a heated surface. Tv box is the perfect place. Seeds on a plate in paper towels warm with another plate on top to keep the humidity up. If no action in 7-10 days seeds are no longer viable. Cheers.

Look up hydrogen peroxide, a little bit goes a long way.