Ever wondered how long you can save your seeds and have them still be viable? We’ve created this chart to help you determine the longevity of your seeds.
Proper seed storage conditions are cool and dark. The moisture content within the seed greatly affects germination rates. Seeds should be stored in their original packaging in a cool (below 50 degrees Fahrenheit), dark place where their moisture content will stay relatively stable. Here at High Mowing we keep our seed cooler at around 45 degrees Fahrenheit with less than 40% humidity.
| Seed Type | Longevity Under Proper Seed Storage Conditions |
| Artichokes | 5 years |
| Arugula | 3 years |
| Beans | 3 years |
| Beets | 4 years |
| Brrocoli | 3 years |
| Brussels Sprouts | 4 years |
| Cabbage | 4 years |
| Carrots | 3 years |
| Cauliflower | 4 years |
| Celery/Celeriac | 5 years |
| Chard | 4 years |
| Collards | 5 years |
| Corn | 2 years |
| Cress | 5 years |
| Cucumbers | 5 years |
| Eggplant | 4 years |
| Endive/Escarole | 5 years |
| Fennel | 4 years |
| Kale | 4 years |
| Kohlrabi | 4 years |
| Leeks | 1 year |
| Lettuce | 5 years |
| Melons | 5 years |
| Mustard | 4 years |
| Okra | 2 years |
| Onions | 1 year |
| Peas | 3 years |
| Peppers | 2 years |
| Pumpkins | 4 years |
| Radish | 5 years |
| Rutabagas | 4 years |
| Spinach | 2-3 years |
| Summer Squash | 4 years |
| Tomatoes | 4 years |
| Turnips | 5 years |
| Watermelon | 4 years |
| Winter Squash | 4 years |
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I recently read that bean and pea seeds should NOT be kept in an airtight container, whereas other types can and should be. Anything to that? I usually stick extra seed or hand-selected seed in small food-grade plastic containers with lids in a dark cupboard at fairly stable room temperature, and they seem to do fine.
I like your seed longevity chart. I’ve been searching for similar data about flax seed but not found any which is useful. Have you any suggestions where I might get this information?