As a gardening and landscape gardening expert , I can portion out my noesis and experiences regarding the viability of tomato seeds that are two twelvemonth old . Tomato seeds , like most ejaculate , have a ledge spirit and their sprouting rates bit by bit decline over time . However , it is crucial to note that the viability of seeds can motley depending on factors such as storage atmospheric condition and the initial quality of the seeds .
In general , tomato seeds can remain viable for at least a year , and many will remain viable for up to two years . After this period , the germination rates of out - of - date seeds may embark on to decrease . This means that if you were to plant two - year - honest-to-god tomato ejaculate , you might acknowledge a lower germination rate compared to fresh seeds .
Personal experience has shew me that while some two - year - old tomato plant seeds may still bourgeon successfully , the overall germination rate be given to be modest . For lesson , if clean tomato plant seeds have a sprouting rate of 90 % , two - year - one-time seeds might have a sprouting pace of around 70 - 80 % . This lessening in germination rate is due to raw abjection processes that go on over clock time , such as the break down of seed quiescency mechanisms .
However , it is worth mentioning that not all tomato varieties have the same seed longevity . Some tomato varieties have naturally longer source viability , while others may have shorter viability even when stored properly . So , it is important to consider the specific diverseness of tomato seeds you have when assessing their likely germination after two years .
When it comes to storage shape , right treatment and depot play a crucial use in maintaining seed viability . Tomato seed should be stored in a nerveless , wry place , away from direct sunlight and undue wet . Ideally , they should be put in in airtight containers such as glass jars or seal off plastic pocketbook to foreclose wet and air exposure .
To regulate the viability of your two - yr - old tomato plant seeds , you could conduct a bare germination test . Take a representative sample of the ejaculate and place them on a damp newspaper publisher towel or in a seed tray filled with moist ejaculate - start mix . Keep the germ in a warm and well - fire up area , ensuring they remain consistently moist . After a week or two , you may assess the germination charge per unit by counting the phone number of seeded player that have successfully sprouted .
While two - year - quondam tomato plant seeds may still have the potential drop to pullulate , it is important to consider the decreased germination charge per unit that often occurs with older seminal fluid . conduct a sprouting run will supply a clearer picture of the viability of your specific sight of seeds . If the sprouting charge per unit is significantly low , it may be worth consider purchasing fresh cum to guarantee a high succeeder pace in your gardening endeavors .
Caroline Bates
