Flower Seed Storage Life

Hi, I have at least 50 packs of various flower seeds from zinnias to dahlias that I recently found. The majority of them are from stores or from seed catalogs and are dated from 2001 to 1990. Are these seeds any good, should I even bother with them? Any help you can offer is appreciated. Also, any internet links on the specifics of indoor seed starting for each individual flower seed would be great!

If they have been kept cool and dry, then some of your flowers should be fine...different varieties will have different storage lives.

Put a few of each in a damp paper towel (not wet)...put in a zip lock and label each one with variety. Place in a warm spot and wait a week...see if you have any sprouts.

This is the best way I know to tell.

Here are two great resources for seed germination:

http://tomclothier.hort.net/
http://www.ourgardengang.com/Seed%20Germination%20DB.htm

Good luck!
Donna

Many thanks to Melody and TuttiFrutti for your help. I do appreciate your time!

Jim