Seed Saving: How Long Will My Seed Last? A Seed Life Guide

You've saved your vegetable seeds so you can grow the same variety in the future, but how long will your seed last? This list provides the average seed life for 47 different kinds of vegetables when stored under ideal conditions. Be sure to bookmark this article for future reference and read the best method for seed storage by clicking on the link at the end of this article.

SEED SAVING:  AVERAGE VEGETABLE SEED LIFE

• Beans (Bush, Fava, Lima, Pole, Runner, Soy, Yard Long):   3-4 years
• Beet:  6 years
• Broccoli:  5 years
• Brussel Sprouts:  5 years
• Cabbage: 3-5 years
• Chinese Cabbage: 3 years
• Carrot:  3-4 years
• Cauliflower:  5 years
• Celeriac:  5 years
• Celery:  5 years
• Collard:  5 years
• Corn:  3-4 years
• Cucumber:  7 years
• Eggplant:  6 years
• Endive:  7 years
• Kale:  5 years
• Kohlrabi:  5 years
• Leek:  1-2 years
• Lettuce:  3 years
• Muskmelon:  7 years
• Mustard:  4 years
• Onion:  1-2 years
• Bunching Onion: 1-2 years
• Parsley:  4 years
• Parsnip:  1-2 years
• Peas:  3 years
• Pepper:  2-4 years
• Pumpkin:  6-7 years
• Radish:  4-5 years
• Rutabaga:  4 years
• Spinach:  3-4 years
• Spinach (NZ):  3 years
• Squash (Cucurbita maxima):  6-7 years
• Squash (Curcubita mixta):  6-7 years
• Squash (Cucurbita moschata):  6-7 years
• Squash (Cucurbita pepo):  6-7 years
• Sunflower:  7 years
• Swiss Chard:  6 years
• Tomato:  4-5 years
• Turnip:  5 years
• Watermelon:  5 years

Learn more about seed saving by reading the following articles:

Seed Saving:  Best Method For Storing Vegetable Seeds

Start Your Own Seed Bank: The Importance Behind Seed Saving

How to Grow, Harvest & Save Onion Seed

How to Grow Sweet Potatoes Starts/Slips

Propagation of Herbs: How to Start Herbs with Cuttings

Heirloom & Open-Pollinated Seeds: Catalog Resource List