How Long are Vegetable Seeds Good For?

Some Seeds Last Much Longer than Others

Seed lifespan varies greatly between species, with some such as parsnip and onion being notoriously short-lived, and others such as beans and squash potentially lasting decades under ideal storage conditions.

Older seed, or seed that wasn't stored properly, will have a lower and lower germination rate over time. You may also notice that the seedlings that do sprout and weaker and don't thrive like they did when the seed was fresh.

Storage Conditions Matter

The key to maintaining seed viability for as long as possible is to avoid sunlight, heat, and moisture, all of which will start to breakdown the integrity of the seed. Refrigerating or freezing seeds is a good way to extend their lifespan, but they must be completely dry. Any moisture still in the seeds when frozen will expand and cause damage.

Grow Your Own

Growing open-pollinated varieties and learning how to save seeds is a great way to ensure you have a sustainable supply of fresh seed that will grow the strongest and healthiest plants!

The table below shows average seed viability when seeds are stored properly in cool, dark, and dry conditions, and when frozen. Actual longevity can vary based on storage conditions and seed genetics and can vary greatly. Seeds that are very dry when frozen and kept in a completely moisture proof container with a desiccant can often remain viable for decades or even centuries.

Seed	Average Viability (Years)	Average Viability (Frozen)
Onion	1	2-3
Parsnip	1	2-3
Corn	1–2	20 or more
Leek	2	5-10
Okra	2	5-10
Pepper	2–3	5-10
Spinach	2–3	5-10
Bean	3	10 or more
Carrot	3	5-10
Celery	3	5-10
Pea	3	5-10
Tomato	4–6	10 or more
Cucumber	5	5-10
Melon	5	5-10
Squash	5	10 or more
Pumpkin	5	10 or more
Beet	4	5-10
Chard	4	5-10
Lettuce	4	5-10
Radish	5	10 or more
Broccoli	4–5	5-10
Cabbage	4–5	5-10
Cauliflower	4–5	5-10
Kale	4–5	5-10
Turnip	4–5	10 or more
Eggplant	4–5	5-10

Tips to Maximize Seed Longevity

• Store seeds in airtight containers

• Keep them cool and dry (refrigeration or freezing works well (as long as there is no moisture)

• Label with variety name and year

• Avoid heat, light, and moisture exposure