Can Seeds Remain Dormant

You’re right, many wild plants have seeds that can remain dormant for many years before birthing a plant. For example, a 2000-year-old date palm seed found in Israel actually sprouted when it was planted back in 2005! As for why some seeds can lie dormant before sprouting, it’s mainly a survival technique.

Can dormant seeds germinate?

A dormant seed will not germinate when it will be exposed to the right environmental conditions (light and water). Seed dormancy can be broken by dry storage or by a cold imbibition (stratification).

How long do seeds last if not planted?

To keep the seeds cool (ideally, below 50 degrees), some people store them in a jar in their refrigerator or freezer. Seeds in good condition and stored properly will last at least one year and, depending on the plant, may last two to five years.