Tag: Old seeds

While the dates on seed packets are more of a 'packed for' guideline than a true expiration date, seeds can and do lose their viability over time due to improper storage, age, and damage. Every gardener eventually faces the challenge of determining if their seed stock is still viable before planting, which can prevent wasted effort and disappointment. The good news is that several straightforward methods exist to test and confirm seed quality.

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, eating rancid food typically does not pose a health risk, but can cause digestive symptoms. When we consider what happens if we eat expired seeds, the risks are often related to the seed's oil content and proper storage, rather than an immediate foodborne illness.

While 'best by' dates on seed packages indicate peak quality and germination viability, they are not hard expiration dates regarding safety. The question of can out of date seeds make you ill depends entirely on how they have spoiled, with certain types of spoilage presenting more significant health risks than others.

Over 2.4 billion seeds are stored in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, yet the packets in your shed have a much shorter lifespan. It’s a common dilemma for gardeners to wonder when to throw out old seeds and when to give them a second chance.

While the "best by" date on seed packets primarily indicates peak germination potential, it's not a hard expiration for consumption. This raises the important question: Can you use seeds that are 2 years old safely and get nutritional value from them?