How Long Does Grass Seed Last

Shelf life of lawn grass seeds. Seed storage. Seed storage basics.

High quality and health of lawn grass seeds can be obtained with proper care and storage of seeds, so you need to pay as much attention as possible to the conditions of their storage.

What to look out for when buying

When buying a lawn grass seed, you should pay attention to some points that allow the seeds to maintain good germination.

Shelf life – the preservation will be better if the expiration date is not more than 6-12 months.
Packaging integrity. The bags of grass mixture must be intact, otherwise the seeds can rot or decay, and sometimes different insects get into the package and such a purchase can spoil other seeds that will be stored nearby.
Manufacturer.
The composition of the grass seed mixes. It should not include 20+ varieties of the most diverse seeds, this can lead to poor germination of some varieties.In a quality collection of 5 to 10 varieties of plants.
Price. Don’t rely on store discounts, often seed sales are due to an expired weak set of grasses or annual grass seeds are added to the grass mixture.

It is important to keep your lawn free of forage grasses, otherwise you won’t get a velvety finish. Forage grasses are characterized by coarse, coarse leafy greens and fast growth.

Be sure to take into account the characteristics of the grasses and the characteristics of the site on which the lawn will grow. For example, if the owners do not have the opportunity to regularly water the plantings, it is worth giving preference to varieties that are resistant to drought.

Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun and Shade

Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun & Shade Mix thrives in scorching sunlight or densely shaded conditions. Each individual seed, wrapped in a special WaterSmart Plus coating, absorbs twice the amount of water as its uncoated counterparts. Although this mix tolerates extreme weather changes, Scott’s does not recommend using it in Southern states.

Storage space

Well-ventilated, dry, cool rooms are great for storing good grass seed. Optimum humidity and air temperature are the main issues you need to take care of. Rooms such as:

Balcony or Loggia;
A summer kitchen;
garage;
A country house;
barn;

Safe conditions for long-term storage of grass seeds.

During storage, the quality of seeds is affected by a complex of environmental factors: humidity, temperature, the composition of the atmosphere of the storage or packaging, gas exchange, the nature of the seed coatings, degree of maturity, microflora.

For optimal long-term preservation of lawn grass and other grass seeds, it is necessary to use cold dry conditions for seed storage, with constant values of humidity, temperature and light.

The purpose of optimal seed storage conditions is the preservation of seeds without loss of sowing qualities (germination energy, germination rate and other indicators) of seeds, as long as possible storage period, from five to ten years of storage and more.

It is necessary to ensure a constant low temperature below 10-15 Celsius, with a relative humidity of no more than 35%.

When storing test samples of seeds for a long time, it is important to maintain exactly the stability of temperature and humidity indicators without significant fluctuations.

A little tip: it is good to use cloth or paper bags or buckets with lids for storage….

An important prerequisite for optimum long-term storage is absolute darkness.

Daylight and artificial light stimulate and ensure the germination process of seeds. Therefore, for optimum long-term storage of lawn grass and cereal seeds, maximum darkness is used. Storing in complete darkness helps stop seed germination.

Storing seeds in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, is excellent for prolonging longevity, but has a longer germination time

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How long can I store grass seed before it goes bad?

The average storage time for grass seed is 2-3 years. The effect of humidity on seed viability is closely related to storage temperature.

Where is the best place to store grass seed?

Ventilated, dry, cool rooms are good for storing seeds.

How do I test my lawn seeds?

In two weeks spent in a dark place on a wad soaked with water, or a cloth (it should be constantly damp, but not flooded with water), more than 75% of the seeds should sprout. If less sprouted, the seeds are defective.

Tips and advices on YouTube

How Long Does Grass Seed Last?

Conclusion

High temperature and humidity can have a negative effect on seeds, reducing their growth power and germination energy. This is why seeds should be kept in a cool, dry place and protected from direct sunlight in a closed container.

When is the Best Time to Fertilize Your Lawn? Tips and FAQs

Updated at: Oct 30, 2023

Written by Fred M. Robinson

Professional agronomist, permaculturist, popularizer of knowledge in the field of practical farming, expert in horticulture and viticulture, author of books on applied horticulture and viticulture. More than anything, I like to tell what I have found and understood, and to show what I have seen. Besides writing, I am fond of photography, taking pictures of gardens, travel and nature. In my articles I raise all the most important issues that concern gardeners, farmers, all those who seek to grow and harvest abundant eco-harvest. Great experience allows in the first year to significantly improve the quality and quantity of grown vegetables, berries and fruits, and get confidence in their eco-friendliness and health benefits. As spring approaches, it's a good time to study the gardening guides!