Grass seed - best before date?

Crea · Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 4:00 pm Post subject: Grass seed - best before date?

Hi,
I have 2 large bags of grass seed which states the bags were closed on Jan 2005. Is this seed still good to sow?
The seed was bought last year.

Thanks.

Crea

GPI · Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 4:36 pm Post subject:

Hello Crea.
I would feel that the seed would have a greatly lowered germination rate after 16-17 months.
The seeds germination rate is the percentage of seed expected to grow and produce grass. The higher the germination rate, the more seeds that will produce grass plants.
The germination rates on fresh seed is around 80%,.
Grass seed that is 10 or more months past its test / closure date will have usually have a poor germination rate.

verge · Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 4:48 pm Post subject:

Crea, you would have had to keep the seed very dry and cool over the 16 or 17 months to prevent a drop in germination rates. Also you cannot be sure that the garden centre you bought it from did the same.
I would buy some fresh extra seed, mix the old and new together and sow heavily.

Crea · Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 5:44 pm Post subject:

Thanks folks. Just the type of info I needed.

Bugs · Ash Tree Joined: 03 Jul 2006 Posts: 210 Location: Dublin

Sound advice there Verge and GPI , Laughing

Crea don't forget to sow some for the birds .
Cool

Bugs

Crea · Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:34 pm Post subject:

Hi,
Germination seems to be really good. Mixed with some new seed and the garden looks positively green.
I'm happy, birds are happy. I had a hen pheasant and 3 chicks in the garden this week - i'm a city girl moved to the country - I nearly passed out with happiness.
My dad thinks I should buy a gun in case they come back Evil or Very Mad

Bugs · Ash Tree Joined: 03 Jul 2006 Posts: 210 Location: Dublin