According to turf leader Scotts, grass seeds can be stored for two or three years, that is, if stored correctly. However, even in ideal environments, the germination rate tends to decline after storage. You should expect the initial germination rate to decrease by 10 to 20 percent for each subsequent year of storage. A well-kept and open grass seed bag can last up to 18 months, while an unopened bag will last at least 5 years.
If stored in a cool, dry place, grass seeds can last two to three years, but you may not get the same results as when planting fresh seeds. As the seed ages, the percentage of seeds that will be able to germinate decreases, forcing you to use more seeds than normal for adequate coverage. According to The Scotts Company, grass seeds are good for 2 to 3 years. However, grass seeds that are less than a year old are the best.
Storage also varies by seed type, and rockseed remains viable for up to 5 years with proper storage. This allows rye to be stored longer than other popular varieties, such as fescue seeds and bermuda seeds. A resistant and quality seed can last 3-5 years if stored in a dark and cool place, free of moisture. Grass seeds can be stored for up to five or six years if properly stored.
However, it will generally lose about 10% of its viability for each year in storage. Therefore, if the seed has been stored for five years, it should have a germination rate of about 50%. Let's get the pressing question out of the way first. To reiterate, yes, grass seeds can expire.
They have expiration dates stamped on the bags and tend to spoil over time. It is usually better to throw away grass seeds, which have remained unused after the expiry date shown. Grass seeds are sold with an expiry date stamped on the bag and may spoil over time. Therefore, it is a good idea to throw away unused seeds that have passed the expiration date.
Seed mixes offer a little bit of everything and usually some of the grass types in the mix will work best in shady areas, others will thrive in full sun, and you'll have good coverage all over your lawn. But, after the stipulated period has elapsed, if you still notice that most of the seeds have not sprouted or germinated, then you should consider buying new seeds. Areas that receive less than this amount might work better with grass covers that need little sunlight if the common grass refuses to grow. As usual, if you need extra help figuring out why grass seeds expire and how to store them, you can always contact us.
Before you rush to check the expiration date, we have a complete guide to help you understand all the details about grass seeds. In addition to the obvious physical signs of deterioration, you can do some tests to see if the old grass seeds are still good and usable. For example, 50 percent of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial roe, and tall fescue seeds will germinate after three to five years of storage under ideal conditions, while 50 percent of creeping curved grass seeds will germinate after five years or more. If I told you to keep your sealed bag of grass seeds next to your milk box in the refrigerator, you may start to frown due to lack of space in the refrigerator.
If you have a bare spot on the lawn and an old bag of grass seeds in the shed, it may seem that your problems are over. For the future, your new grass seed will be better preserved if you store it in a tightly sealed plastic bag or container so that it cannot absorb moisture. Many gardeners store large quantities of lawn seeds in the shed or garage, to re-sow any bare spot on the lawn. Yes, as long as it is properly stored below 90 degrees Fahrenheit in a dry, moisture-free location such as the basement, the grass seed will remain viable for up to 18 months.
There are other reliable brands, but if you buy grass seeds for the first time, you will probably get good results with Scotts, Pennington or Jonathan Green. On average, every year that grass seed is placed in an unopened bag, it experiences a 10% reduction in germination rate. If you're not going to use a whole bag of seeds to cover your uneven lawn, make sure you store the remaining seeds properly in the mesh or burlap bag I mentioned above. .
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