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Find Out How Long Your Garden Seeds Actually Last

Have you ever dug into a pile of old seeds and wondered if they’re still good, or whether you should buy new ones? How long do vegetable seeds and herb seeds last anyway?

The short answer: It depends. Here’s what you need to know about seed viability vs. seed vigor.

So, how long do seeds actually last?

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.

Why Seed Vigor Matters

A seedling with compromised vigor may have a missing cotyledon, look stunted or scrawny, or seem overall slower to develop than seedlings from fresher seeds.

Seed Viability Chart

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 Corn (sweet) - 2 years Cress - 5 years

Vegetables / Shelf Life

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

Vegetables / Shelf Life

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