As a gardening and landscape gardening expert , I can confidently say that there is a ripe luck that your two - twelvemonth - former sunflower seeds will still acquire . While it is true that the germination rate of come incline to decline over sentence , most ejaculate , including sunflower seed , can still maintain a adequate percentage of germination after a couple of year .

It ’s crucial to note that not all seeds are created equal , and some may have a longer shelf life than others . However , helianthus seminal fluid are known for their relatively long viability . In general , sunflower seeds can keep for at least three yr while maintain a good chance of germination .

Now , it ’s deserving mentioning that the germination rate of old seeds may not be as gamey as impudently glean seeds . While a packet of sassy sunflower come may have a sprouting rate of 90 - 95 % , for example , a packet of two - year - one-time germ may have a sprouting charge per unit of around 70 - 80 % . This means that out of every ten seeds , you could expect around seven or eight to stock successfully .

However , even with older seed , there is always a possibleness that a higher percentage will still evolve . In some cases , you may find that even a group of very older helianthus come can have a sprouting rate of 10 - 20 % . So , while the sprouting pace may decline with age , it ’s still deserving move over those quondam sunflower seeds a prospect .

In my personal experience , I have had winner with planting helianthus source that were a couple of twelvemonth old . I found that by providing the source with optimal turn conditions such as right soil preparedness , adequate moisture , and sunlight , they were able to pullulate and grow into salubrious sunflower plant .

To maximize your chances of success with old helianthus germ , here are a few tips :

1 . Perform a germination test : Before sowing all your seeds , it ’s a good estimate to conduct a sprouting test to get an idea of the viability of your seeds . Simply place a few seeds between moist report towels or in a seed tray , and keep them in a affectionate and blue location . Check the seeds after a week or two to see how many have sprouted . This will give you an indication of the sprouting rate of your previous seed .

2 . Sow more seeds : To compensate for the potential lower sprouting rate , see sowing a slightly higher number of seeds than you normally would . This will increase the luck of catch a good number of healthy plant life .

3 . Provide optimum growing conditions : Ensure that your sunflower seeds have access to well - draining soil , adequate wet , and mountain of sunlight . deflect overwatering , as this can lead to rot of the seeds or seedling .

4 . count scarification : If you find that your sure-enough sunflower seed have a humiliated sprouting charge per unit , you may assay scarification . This involves light nicking or chafe the germ coating to help water come home and initiate germination . Be careful not to damage the conceptus inside the semen .

While the germination rate of helianthus seeds may decrease with age , there is still a skilful chance that your two - class - onetime seed will maturate . Most sunflower seeds can maintain a decent percentage of germination for at least three years . By performing a sprouting test , sowing more semen , provide optimal produce conditions , and deal scarification if necessary , you’re able to increase your chances of achiever . So go before and give those old helianthus sow a endeavor – you might be pleasantly surprised by the results !

Caroline Bates