Okra Seed Longevity

[hedgeapple]

If you read online about okra seed longevity the numbers are all over the place, but on average seed sellers will give them two years, which one can assume has germination rates in mind.

Assuming identical preparation and storage conditions I think the figure is much higher, but not indefinite like some seeds seem to be.

The oldest okra seeds I started were 8 years old and had been left "in pod" in a blazing hot garage in Texas year round that entire time. Germination rate was probably about 25% (of 20 seeds) and plant vigor was poor but one plant did overcome and produce.

Anyone else have ideas about actual germination and vigor maximums on okra seed? I'm curious because I have a few varieties that I want to keep viable, but not grow out every year.

[macmex]

We don't use AC most of the time and our summers are quite warm and humid. I've found that okra seed, stored at room temperature, will be okay for about 2 years and then germination rates drop noticeably. I think the oldest I've used successfully (non frozen) was about 4 years old, sown thickly.

Seeds stored at my home typically  expire more quickly than they do for most people I know, especially folk in the upper Midwest.  

[Tucson Grower]

I had some seed of 'Silver Queen' which I had acquired from Park Seed, for the 1980 season. So I planted 6 in a 6-pac, it looked like one was going to make it, it had that little, pale, swan-neck, starting to poke up - 4 days later the swan neck finally straightened, to reveal a neck with nothing else. I carefully dug it up to discover it had a nice root/radicle and a stem, but it was totally headless. I planted more of that packet and some from a different source, much younger seed.

[heavyhitterokra]

Seeds are amazing things. I am often in awe of just how long they can sometimes survive.