Expired Seeds?

[Shawn]

Seeds usually remain viable for 2 years if stored properly. Exposure to excessive heat or humidity may shorten the lifespan of a seed.



The best way to preserve the seeds (and AG pods) is by storing them in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight – a place where the temperature will not fluctuate much. The refrigerator is generally the best place to store seeds. But stay away from the freezer, any seed that cannot be dried properly should not be frozen or else you risk damaging the cell wall of the seed. Some seeds store better than others. Tomato seeds, for example, can last for more than four years if stored well!


If you have your own seeds ensure your seeds are properly dried. Let them air-dry for about a week before placing them in an air-tight container. Store them in an area that is cool and dry year round. When you are ready to plant your seeds, keep them in their closed container until they reach room temperature to avoid unwanted condensation.


Source:  AG Blog

re : frozen seeds.  What about the Svalbard Global seed bank?(which btw, is now having to deal with climate change believe it or not...Global Warming)no seeds were lost though by the melt.
I am sure, though that the seeds are well wrapped and covered in special packaging to protect them from the Arctic cold.
So far I haven't had any problem with seeds in the freezer, BUT I do that with seeds that have to be tricked into thinking that the have experienced winter.
Usually I just pop them into the fridge if they need to be chilled. But most of my seeds just sit in a bag in the kitchen.

 

[Shawn]

I would have never thought to put the in the fridge.  Mine sit in a cool dark place in a plastic tool box I use as my seed storage.

I never would have either, but some seeds (particularly flowers) say that they will not bloom unless they have gone through the cold winter. One way to trick them, I once read, is to put them in the refrigerator for a few weeks and then pop them into the AG or in soil..it works!

[Shawn]

Great tip.