Can I Plant Old Tomato Seeds?

Tomatoes are not only delicious, they are also a great source of vitamins and minerals. Growing your own tomatoes can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can be frustrating if your seeds fail to sprout. If you have some old tomato seeds lying around, you may be wondering if they are still viable. The answer is yes, but it depends on how old they are and how they have been stored.

How Long Do Tomato Seeds Last?

Tomato seeds can last for several years if they are stored properly. If you have just bought a pack of seeds, they will likely have a germination rate of around 90%. This means that 9 out of every 10 seeds should sprout. As time goes on, the germination rate will decrease. After four years, the germination rate may be as low as 50%. However, this does not mean that all the seeds will fail; some will still sprout, but not as many as when they were fresh.

How Should You Store Tomato Seeds?

The best way to store tomato seeds is to keep them in a cool, dry place. They should be kept away from moisture and direct sunlight, as these conditions can reduce the viability of the seeds. The ideal temperature for storing tomato seeds is around 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C).

What Can You Do to Increase the Chances of Success?

There are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success when planting old tomato seeds:

Scarify the seeds. This involves nicking the seed coat with a knife or sandpaper. This can help water penetrate the seed coat, which can increase the chances of germination.

Soak the seeds in water overnight. This can help wake up the seed and soften the seed coat.

Start the seeds indoors. If you live in a cool climate, starting the seeds indoors can help give them a head start.

Plant more seeds than you need. This will ensure that you have enough plants even if some of the seeds fail to sprout.

Conclusion

Old tomato seeds can still be viable, but their germination rate may be lower than fresh seeds. If you have some old seeds lying around, it’s worth a try to see if they will sprout. Just make sure to store them properly and follow some of the tips above to increase your chances of success.