Shelf life of seed products

[Stickslinger]

If the container,bag, etc. has never been opened, how long would a seed stay viable? The reason that I asked is that our Southern states store has some Whitetail institute products on sale but I know that they have been there for at least a year or so. Thanks

Rodney

[MUDRUNNER]

I keep my leftover seed in the basement, and have planted it 2 or 3 years later, and still had a high germination rate. I would think it would be fine as long as it hasn't been exposed to any extreme heat for too long.

[wtnhunt]

Viability depends on what type seed I think and also depends on how you store it. Have planted old seed here of all sorts and had great germination.

[Stickslinger]

Thanks for the responses.

[joeaveragehunter]

Just thought I would let ya know I stuffed an open bag of chicory away and forgot about it. Top dressed my clover the next year with it and it came up just fine.

[Ethan Givan]

We freeze our seed in a deep freezer. Keeps for 2-3 years.

[backwoods07]

Depends on what kind of seed, but there's actually a pretty accurate formula that I used to have somewhere. On average, after a year on the shelf germination rate drops to around 90%, then falls significantly after that first year. After three years, you'd be hard pressed to find a seed that will germinate at more than a 10-20% rate.

[hunter109]

well i know that most grass seeds are going to go down in germination % every year you dont use it most other seeds should be good if they do not get wet and if that are not stored were the sun and extreme heat can get to them but if they are not they should be good to plant for a while