gardenbetty.com
In general, you can expect most vegetable seeds to last two to three years after their packing date, though there are exceptions—like onions, which start to deteriorate after just one year.
In layman’s terms, vigor is the ability of your plants to survive outside with all the elements working against them (even if they’ve been hardened off), as opposed to being coddled indoors under grow lights or controlled conditions.
Vegetables / Shelf Life Artichokes - 3 years Arugula - 6 years Asian greens - 3 years Asparagus - 3 years Beans - 3 years Beets - 3 years Broccoli - 3 years Brussels sprouts - 4 years Cabbage - 4 years Cardoon - 3 years Carrots - 3 years Cauliflower - 4 years Celery/celeriac - 4 years Chard - 3 years Chicory - 4 years Chinese cabbage - 3 years Collards - 4 years
Vegetables / Shelf Life Corn (sweet) - 2 years Cress - 5 years Cucumbers - 5 years Dandelions - 2 years Eggplant - 4 years Endive - 5 years Fennel (bulb) - 4 years Kale - 4 years Kohlrabi - 4 years Leeks - 2 years Lettuce - 3 years Melons - 5 years Mustard - 4 years Okra - 2 years Onions - 1 year Parsnips - 2 years
Herbs / Shelf Life Basil - 5 years Chamomile - 4 years Chives - 2 years Cilantro - 2 years Dill - 2 years Fennel - 2 years Hyssop - 2 years Lavender - 4 years Lemon balm - 2 years Lovage - 2 years Marjoram - 2 years Oregano - 4 years Parsley - 2 years Rosemary - 2 years Sage - 2 years Savory - 2 years Thyme - 2 years
gardenbetty.com