A challenge for a future gardener

BenCotto

In the Spring I am replacing a wooden fence in the garden with a natural stone wall and, as it could quite possibly remain in place for 100+ years, I thought it would be fun to place a time capsule in the wall. 

I thought I might pop a packet of seeds in the capsule, challenging the person who discovers it to try to germinate the seeds. Can people suggest a fruit, vegetable or flower seed that might just possibly be viable in a hundred years’ time? 

WillowBark

I am afraid that I can't help on this one, but just wanted to say what a wonderful idea this is! I look forward to seeing what suggestions people make and finding out what you decide to go with. Good luck.

josusa47

As a general rule, the smaller the seed, the longer it remains viable.

rachelQrtJHBjb

I'm thinking of the poppies, Papaver Rhoeas, that grew on the battlefields of northern France following the First World War. Lest we forget.

nick615

Try getting a few words of advice from the seed bank at Wakehurst in Sussex.

tui34

@BenCotto  That's a nice thought.

Cambridgerose12

Probably not what you want yourself, but interesting in relation to this thread:
https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/plant-grown-from-203-year-old-seed-begins-new-life-in-the-temperate-house

Silver surfer

Fabulous idea.
I love dry stone walls.
Just make sure your veg patch is no where near it. Snails love making their home in dry stone walls
What ever seed you decide to put in will need to be in an airtight container.
Otherwise moisture /humidity will rot any seeds.
Good luck.

Astraeus

I recall this was a question on GQT early last year but I'm afraid I don't recall the recommendation. There was an anecdote of 40 year old seeds germinating but nothing in the order of 100 years. Google Judea Palm - viable after 32,000 years!

Skandi

Tomatoes last very well, as do the cabbage family.

AnniD

Re: the Kew seed bank, some information here and a link to the database 
https://www.kew.org/science/collections-and-resources/collections/seed-collection
Fascinating reading.