Aerated hydration (AH) treatments of cauliflower seeds for 12 h (12AH) and 28 h (28AH) at 20 8C resulted in improved or reduced storage potential of low or high vigour seeds, respectively. Seeds were stored at their initial seed moisture content (mean 5.5% mc) or at 12% mc at 10 8C for 12 months and at 20 8C for 4 months. The improved longevity of low vigour seeds was associated with increased K i (initial seed viability) and a reduced rate of deterioration (1/