Can scallion seeds saved from last year still be used for sowing?
Sometimes you buy more seeds than you can plant in one year and want to store them for the next year. For example, a netizen asked about this: for scallions, the shelf life of the seeds is generally only one year, and the germination rate in the second year drops a lot, but it is not absolutely impossible for them to germinate; the germination rate will just be lower, and the growth will be weaker. Below is a reference for how long other vegetable seeds can be stored!
Scallion seeds, chive seeds: must use new seeds from the current year; seeds from the previous year have a greatly reduced emergence rate. New seeds have wrinkles on the surface, a distinct dark side, a glossy sheen, and an obvious small white spot on the hilum. Seeds stored for more than 1 year lose their gloss, develop a layer of white bloom, and the hilum turns from white to yellow. Such seeds have a low germination rate and weak growth and are not suitable for use.
Tomato seeds: generally can be stored for 3-4 years, not exceeding 4 years, otherwise the germination rate will decrease. New seeds have many small hairs and a tomato smell; old seeds have few or shed hairs, and the smell also becomes weaker.
Pepper seeds: cannot exceed 3 years. New seeds have a strong spicy flavor and the seeds are golden yellow. The germination rate of new seeds is about 90%, about 80% after 2 years of storage, and will drop below 50% after 3 years.
Celery seeds: can be stored for 5 years; newly harvested seeds from the current year cannot be used and must be stored for 1 year before use.
Cilantro seeds: must be stored for 1 year before use, but the storage time should not exceed 3 years. New cilantro seeds have a strong smell, while old seeds have a weaker smell. When sowing cilantro seeds, crush the seeds as shown in the picture below; this makes them easier to germinate!
Eggplant seeds: can be stored a little longer; generally the seeds can be used within 5 years. New seeds have a shiny outer coat and are creamy yellow, while old seeds are dark red on the surface and lack gloss.
Chinese cabbage seeds, radish seeds, cabbage seeds: the usual storage life is 3-4 years, and the germination rate decreases noticeably after more than 4 years. New seeds have a smooth surface, while old seeds have a dull surface. After pressing the seeds open with a fingernail, new seeds form a cake without breaking apart, while old seeds break easily and the seed coat falls off easily.
Cucumber seeds: generally can be stored for 3-4 years. Fresh cucumber seeds are white or milky white on the surface, smooth, and the barbs at the tip of the seed are relatively sharp, while old seeds develop yellow spots, lose their gloss, and the barbs at the tip of the seed also become blunt.