How to store seeds??

avs0020 · Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2018 1:09 pm Post subject: How to store seeds??

Hi there. I have heard conflicting advice on how best to store seeds. I have the usual range of annuals, perennials and vegetables.

i read somewhere that seeds should be stored in the fridge, and I know that a period of cold is helpful when germinating perennials, but

1. can all types of seeds be stored in the fridge, and

2. is it possible to leave seeds too long in the fridge?

At present my seeds are in the small plastic bags that they came in, and they're all in a Tupperware box in my garage.

3. On average how long can seeds last and

4. Which storage method would result in longer periods of viability?

Thanks for the help

tagwex · Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2018 9:25 am Post subject:

First off i would change them into brown paper bags/envelopes.
If you have that many then have a look into freezing them.
You are going to get a few answers at variance on this one, each have their own favoured methods.

avs0020 · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2018 1:16 pm Post subject:

Thanks Tagwex

Blowin · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2018 8:21 pm Post subject:

So that you know, the reason Tagwex said put them in PAPER, instead of plastic, is because they'll always have just a little bit of moisture in them and will go mouldy in plastic.

If 'Management' will permit, I always kept mine over the winter on the floor of the hot press/airing cupboard. Moderate warmth and dry. Dry is the key.

tagwex · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2018 8:47 pm Post subject:

Just so that you know, for 'management' read her that I live in fear of!!!! Met her once, lovely woman.

Sue Deacon · Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 4:00 pm Post subject:

Storing seeds in a fridge for a short time tricks the seeds into thinking they have gone through a winter and when you take them out it is time to start growing!.

Don't leave them in plastic. Something we would all agree on, seeds need to be kept dry.

Viability depends on the type of seed. Grass and lettuce seeds last about a year before germination rates plummet. I once tried to patch a bare bit of the lawn with seed I bought the previous year. What a waste of time THAT was!

Some seeds can survive in drought situations for 50 years! Parts of the Atacama Desert don't see rain for decades. Yet when they do, the desert blooms!

Unless you can keep them in ideal conditions most seeds will last 3-4 years tops.