Seed Viability Chart: How Long Seeds Last in Storage

Facebook Pinterest Email

This seed viability chart shows how long garden seeds stay viable. Each type has a different shelf life, so labeling packets with “sow by” dates helps.

Seed Storage: Top Tips For Storing Seeds at Home has detailed tips for providing optimal storage conditions at home.

Collage showing various plants and their seed viability years.

Seed Viability Chart

How long do seeds last?

This chart lists the average lifespan of seeds stored under recommended conditions—good quality seeds stored in cool temperatures with low moisture levels.

The time estimates (listed in years) come from a variety of sources including seed companies and researchers. Sources vary quite a bit so take this as a general guideline only. There are always exceptions, but this is a good general reference.

Also note that pelleted seeds—seeds that come with a coating for easier handling—lose their viability much sooner than regular seeds and should be used right away.

Some seed packets list sow by dates. If not, it’s helpful to use this chart to add them. This way, when sowing, you can be sure to use up older seeds first before they lose their viability.

See the Resources section to save this chart for personal use.

Asian Greens (3 years)
Alyssum (3-5 years)
Amaranthus (4-5 years)
Angelica (2 years)
Anise (2 years)
Aquilegia (Columbine) (1-2 years)
Artichoke (1-5 years)
Artemisia (1-5 years)
Arugula (2-6 years)
Asclepias (milkweed, butterfly weed) (1 years)
Asparagus (3-4 years)
Aster (1 years)
Basil (3-5 years)
Beans (2-4 years)
Beets (2-5 years)
Borage (1-4 years)
Broccoli (2-5 years)
Brussels sprouts (3-5 years)
Cabbage (3-5 years)
Calendula (4-6 years)
Caraway (1-2 years)
Carnation (3-5 years)
Carrots (3-4 years)
Catnip (3 years)
Cauliflower (4-5 years)
Celery / Celeriac (3-5 years)
Celosia (2-4 years)
Chamomile (4 years)
Chard (2-5 years)
Chervil (1-4 years)
Chicory (4-5 years)
Chives (1-3 years)
Cilantro/Coriander (1-4 years)
Collards (3-5 years)
Corn (1-3 years)
Cosmos (3-5 years)
Cotton (2 years)
Cress (5 years)
Cumin (1-3 years)
Cucumber (3-6 years)
Dahlia (2-5 years)
Daisy (3 years)
Delphinium (1-3 years)
Dianthus (Sweet William) (3-5 years)
Digitalis (Foxglove) (1-2 years)
Dill (1-4 years)
Echinacea (Coneflower) (4 years)
Eggplant (4-5 years)
Endive / Escarole (5 years)
Fennel (1-2 years)
Hyacinth Bean (3-5 years)
Hyssop (1-4 years)
Impatiens (1-2 years)
Kale (3-5 years)
Kohlrabi (3-5 years)
Larkspur (1-3 years)
Lavender (1-3 years)

Leeks (2-3 years)
Lemon Balm (1-4 years)
Lemon Grass (3 years)
Lentils (1-2 years)
Lettuce (1-6 years)
Lisianthus (2-3 years)
Lovage (1-3 years)
Lupine (3-5 years)
Marigold (2-5 years)
Marjoram (1-4 years)
Melons (3-6 years)
Mint (4 years)
Monarda (Bee Balm) (4 years)
Mustard (4 years)
Nasturtium (3-7 years)
Nigella (3-5 years)
Okra (2-3 years)
Onions (1-2 years)
Oregano (4 years)
Pansy (1-2 years)
Parsley (1-4 years)
Parsnip (1-3 years)
Peas (2-4 years)
Peppers (2-5 years)
Phlox (1-3 years)
Poppy (2-4 years)
Pumpkins (4-6 years)
Purslane (3-5 years)
Radish (4-5 years)
Rhubarb (4 years)
Rosemary (1-4 years)
Rutabagas (3-5 years)
Sage (1-3 years)
Salvia (1-3 years)
Salsify (1-2 years)
Savory (1-4 years)
Scabiosa (2-5 years)
Snapdragon (3-5 years)
Soybean (3-5 years)
Spinach (1-5 years)
Squash, Gourds (3-6 years)
Statice (1-2 years)
Stock (4-5 years)
Strawberry (5 years)
Strawflower (1-2 years)
Sunflower (3-5 years)
Sweet Pea (3-5 years)
Thyme (1-4 years)
Tomatoes (3-7 years)
Turnip (4-5 years)
Valerian (2-3 years)
Verbena (1-5 years)
Viola (1-2 years)
Watermelon (4-5 years)
Yarrow (3-5 years)
Zinnia (2-5 years)
Zucchini (summer squash) 3-6 years

Recommended Seed Storage Conditions

Seeds need to be kept dry and cool in darkness for optimal storage.

Short-term (will be sown within 1-2 years), room temperature (70°F/21°C or lower) and moderate or low humidity (60% or less) is fine for most seeds.
Longer-term (will be sown in 2+ years) or if household conditions are not optimal, store seeds in refrigerator (32-41°F or 0-5°C) using airtight containers.