Seed Test Date Explanation?

[Derek Reese 29]

Bought a few bags of WR at a local Amish store (have bought from there before with good results). A friend that I help with habitat stuff did the same and we broadcast it into some nuked fields and some fields that already had clover in them. It’s been a week and a half..with very little germination. It has been a bit dry but there have been a few storms and one longer rain event (it’s enough that there should be something). My question is..the test dates on all the bags were from 8/2024…does this mean I got old seed that could be leading to my lesser germination?

 

[Mortenson]

Unfortunately I think the year old seed tag will lead to less germination. Year old rye seed should be sold for half price. Ive been burned before.

 

[bueller]

Rye doesn't get harvested until late summer. Almost all the rye I buy in August was harvested/tested the year prior. I've never tested the actual germination rate but I always get a good stand. I do seed heavy as often times I'm top seeding and have a lot of turkeys around.

 

[Turkey Creek]

The test date is when the germination rate for seed was done. While most seed viability does last longer than a year, I do prefer to have seed that was tested in the last year. You can always do a wet rag (paper towel test) on some seeds from the bag, just to make sure you are at least not wasting your time by planting it (unless planting for turkeys or doves to consume).