How Long Are Brassica Seeds Viable?

[ladymarmalade]

I'm thinking they're pretty hardy and will last for a really long time, but I'm wondering if I should think about updating a few varieties that are about six years old now.

Sow heavily and hope for the best? Or toss and get new ones?

[stratcat]

Hi. I found a Viability Chart from Virginia Cooperative Extension. From the chart in years:

Broccoli - 3
Brussel Sprouts - 4
Cabbage - 4
Cauliflower - 4

Do you have enough seed to try a germination test by sprouting seed placed between moist towels?

[pepperhead212]

I've had some (komatsuna, bok choy, kohlrabi, and a few others) almost 100% viable for 3 years, and then it seemed they would begin to loose not only their germination rate, but the vigor of the seedlings in the 4th and 5th years. So now, unless it is something I can no longer find, I toss them after three years.

[ladymarmalade]

Wow, three and four years! That explains a bit about last years sowing. Now that I think about it, I had really sparse sproutings. I don't remember how many seeds I sowed, but I know a lot didn't sprout.

I will replace. Thanks for the info! If I have some that I have a ton of seed, I'll do a germination test first.

[Deleted]

We harvest mustard seed, and last year we discovered that leaving the seeds on the plants too long leads to significant drops in viability. From now on we will harvest when the pods are first dry!

[ladymarmalade]

Jan 19, 2013 15:56:15 GMT -5 @fredhempel said:

We harvest mustard seed, and last year we discovered that leaving the seeds on the plants too long leads to significant drops in viability. From now on we will harvest when the pods are first dry!

Well, that's interesting! I would have thought the exact opposite.

[Deleted]

We thought the opposite too. But the first clue was that the seeds harvested later were lighter (in weight).