OT - Using pepper seeds to grow from home dried pods...?

[CW2V]

This is just for my middle school kid's science experiment.

Since the local stores do not have seeds available yet, would seeds that were dried in a dehydrator (circulated heat) be viable for planting? The plants were from 2013 summer. Would cross-pollination be a problem? The experiment is for speed of growth only.

TIA

CW2V

[CW2V]

Nevermind. Just did my own search and it looks like they are "cooked". I ran it at 145 for several days.

CW2V

[RecipeForDisaster]

Nevermind on your heated seeds, but our stores do have seeds available now and there are some great online retailers that ship all year. Also, I wanted to let you know that seeds are good for a long time if they are stored carefully... I've been using some 2007 seeds and the germination is decent. Peppers aren't the easiest to germinate in the first place and would be happiest with some soil heat, though.

[A-Polly]

Must it be peppers? Dried beans from the grocery store will probably sprout—at least, I think I remember using them for science class way, way, way back when... :oldfogette:
Limas are nice and big, easy to see and measure. mile:

[CW2V]

Found a package of pea pods not planted last summer. 8-12 day germination. Science fair is on!

And yes, I usually order seeds to germinate a little later in the year and I've used ones from a few years old that sprouted fine. I just must have given away this past seasons left over seeds as I cannot not find any. No stores around here have any. Home Depot just got them in but they aren't selling them yet (I have no idea why they felt the need to tell me that they have them and then turn around and tell me I cannot purchase any). =/

CW2V

[Black]

Menard's had a fresh and extensive seed selection for sale this evening.