Seed saved from Vintage (excellent) years, 100% germination

michael johnson · February 4, 2007

It has been noticed over a period of time-relating to seed production, that some seeds have realy great years-like a good vintage wine, and will continue to give up to 100% germination rates for up ten years and over.

1995 was one of those years-in most countries, therefore if you are lucky enough to own some excellent vintage year seeds (tomatoes) it is far better to establish all your tomato needs for that particular variety for several years- from these same seeds, rather than keep replenishing them each year.

As many of you already know- there are good and very good years for seed, and some very very bad years- where the seed is an absolute pig to germinate-despite your best efforts,owing mostly to differing seasonal variation, and other contributory factors.

That is why germination testing ,is always better, to test new batches of home saved seed soon after the batch is ready for storage, and put aside batches that look promising for a vintage year.

February 4, 2007	#1
michael johnson Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: UK. Posts: 960	Seed saved from Vintage (excellent) years, 100% germination It has been noticed over a period of time-relating to seed production, that some seeds have realy great years-like a good vintage wine, and will continue to give up to 100% germination rates for up ten years and over. 1995 was one of those years-in most countries, therefore if you are lucky enough to own some excellent vintage year seeds (tomatoes) it is far better to establish all your tomato needs for that particular variety for several years- from these same seeds, rather than keep replenishing them each year. As many of you already know- there are good and very good years for seed, and some very very bad years- where the seed is an absolute pig to germinate-despite your best efforts,owing mostly to differing seasonal variation, and other contributory factors. That is why germination testing ,is always better, to test new batches of home saved seed soon after the batch is ready for storage, and put aside batches that look promising for a vintage year.