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formerly RGG

Just out of idle curiosity I am wodering about the viability of 2 or 3 season old watermelon seed.I know that some seed are viable for many years and some are pretty much done after one season. I know my dad sometimes planted okra and bean seeds that were saved for several years and got pretty fair germination results.I don't have any old seed I want to use but am just wondering. So,how about it,anyone on this forum had any experience with germinating seed from a giant of seasons past?

11/25/2008 10:27:07 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

I use old seeds all the time, to reach back in the line, but I haven't noticed a real decline in viability. There's a science fair project in there somewhere.

11/26/2008 8:15:07 AM

Mississippi

To preserve them long-term, I have heard to put them in the fridge in glass or plastic. Not in a shed that gets 120 degrees.

11/26/2008 11:22:29 PM

Bloomington, IN

according to this link, melon seeds can last a little longer than pumpkin seed. scroll down some.

http://gardening.wsu.edu/library/vege004/vege004.htm

11/27/2008 12:09:42 AM

formerly RGG

Thanks for the advice fellow growers.This should be useful information to me in the future.I hope everyone had has a great Thanksgiving.For all of it's problems I am very sure we are living in the best country in the world.

11/27/2008 8:26:49 PM