there is a common misconception about cacti seeds.
alot of people think that seeds are likely to have more succesfull germination rates if there fresh!!!
is a seed fresh?
is a seed alive?
is a seed a caterpillar attempting to coccoon and enjoy life as a butterfly?
no.
no.
and absolutly not.
seed germination rates alikend to fresh seeds is a hoax. seeds are just as viable many years after production as they were when first produced.
typicaly seed in cacti nature is born from flower into unfavourable germination viable enviromental conditions. some may wait a couple of seasons before conditions are right to germinate.
if this is the case real world why should we assume differant for our practices?
i have heard of people using ten year old seed with success.
i myself had very succesfull germination rates using seed over 5 yrs old...
i am thinking that seed kept out of light. away from moisture and in reasonable temps could last... indefinantly.