How Long Does Grass Seed Last?

You know the feeling. Last year, you bought grass seed in bulk, and now you still have some left. But what can you do with it? How long does grass seed actually last? Here, we will delve into the shelf life of grass seed.

“Does grass seed go off?” is a frequently asked question. The shelf life of grass seed is largely dependent on the quality of the seed, and whether the packages have been opened before.
Additionally, the storage environment is also important. Grass seed is a natural product that simply loses its germination power over time.

Unopened grass seed packages

Grass seed is generally usable for at least two years when unopened, and germination is guaranteed during that time. However, this does not mean that you cannot use the grass seed after the guarantee period. After the two-year period, it is still possible that the seeds have the same power to germinate normally.

Grass seed can remain of good quality for years, as long as you have stored it dry and cool. But it is possible that the germination power of your grass seed has slightly decreased. You cannot be certain after the guarantee period.

Opened grass seed packages

Opened packages are less durable than unopened ones. After opening, the grass seed is usable for at least a year. The germination power of the grass seed will also decrease after the one-year period, thus reducing its shelf life. Here too, it is almost certain that not all seeds will immediately lose their power to germinate.
Environment is crucial; store grass seed cool, dark, and dry in its original packaging.

When purchasing grass seed, the right type of packaging is essential. If you don’t use all the seeds at once, it’s essential to store the grass seed without a loss of germination or mould formation. That’s why all our packaging comes with a sealing mechanism.

Storage environment

As mentioned earlier, the storage environment for the grass seed is an important factor for the burning question “how long does grass seed keep?”. Grass seed should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry space. It is advisable to store it in the original packaging and seal it airtight if the packaging has been opened. This benefits the shelf life of the grass seed. Additionally, it is important to prevent moisture from coming into contact with the grass seed.

Testing the germination

Whether grass seed is still usable cannot be determined at first glance. However, there is a way to tell if grass seed is germinating.

If you want to know if the seed will germinate, you can test it with two sheets of moist toilet paper. Firstly, place a few layers of toilet paper on a saucer and moisten it. Secondly, sprinkle some grass seed on it and cover the saucer with some cling film. Finally, make extra holes in the film and place the saucer on the windowsill. Within a few days, it is possible that some grass seed will germinate. If more than 80% germinates after two to three weeks, that is normal. However, if less germinates, the germination power has declined and the grass seed is no longer usable.

In conclusion

All in all, we understand that it would be great if you could still use the grass seed from last year’s shed. And you can, because in most cases, the grass seed is still of good quality. However, we always recommend buying new grass seed after the guarantee period has expired. The investment in grass seed is generally not very large. And if the grass seed is no longer usable and you sow it, but little or no grass seed comes out, that is a shame. If that is the case, you will still have to buy new grass seed and sow again.

Louis Hooft

Founder & Lawn expert

Introducing Louis Hooft, the founder of MOOWY and your reliable expert. With a profound love for stunning lawns and extensive experience in garden maintenance, Louis is here to assist garden enthusiasts in achieving a greener and livelier outdoors than ever before. Count on Louis for invaluable tips, clever tricks, and top-notch products to make your garden flourish!