Seed storage

[ashleydrew]

I need help with storing seeds long term. What conditions do I need for my seeds to still be viable in a couple of years after purchase.

 

[jimLE]

ok..1st of all..are they still in their original packet? and still sealed shut?..if so their good as is.which means you might put them into a manila envelope or cardboard box.then store them in a cool location where they wont get any direct sun light..if their not in a sealed packet..then find some small zip lock baggies to keep them in.then go with the manila envelope or cardboard box.. i am curious to where you buy them at thoe..on account,if you buy them on line.then they probably came in a aluminum foil zip bag...

 

[Brent S]

I put a lot of different seeds in ziplock baggies and put them in the freezer. Most did really well this spring.

 

[Gazrok]

I always keep some in their original packs, in the freezer.

 

[jimLE]

i've often thought of going with the freezer..but most times.we don't really have the space for them there.i keep my bedroom at a comfortable temp.and i have a flip top desk..and thats where i keep my seeds at.i figure,that it's cool enough there where they'll last there..

 

[SheilaT.]

.

 

[Brent S]

i've often thought of going with the freezer..but most times.we don't really have the space for them there.i keep my bedroom at a comfortable temp.and i have a flip top desk..and thats where i keep my seeds at.i figure,that it's cool enough there where they'll last there..

They will last ok there, but the freezer is best for long term storage. One thing to note is don't expose them to different temperature extremes, like freeze, thaw, freeze. It shortens the life span a lot.

 

[mustang592]

does anyone know if i would bury them(leave in original package and put them in a pvc pipe and bury the pipe) how long they would last

 

[Brent S]

does anyone know if i would bury them(leave in original package and put them in a pvc pipe and bury the pipe) how long they would last

I'm sure it would depend on the climate where buried. At least when buried the temp is more regulated and steady. I've read that temp changes are detrimental. Sealed well from humidity too.

 

[Maverick]

I only keep my long term seeds in the freezer, the seeds I purchased were designed for long term storage, I think Brent got the same type of seeds that was mentioned in earlier post in another thread? I believe wheats are the only seeds that don't need freezing giving historical accounts of seeds found from the Egyptian times sprouting (sealed from moisture) For garden verity seeds I believe they are too sensitive to temperatures that need to be sealed and frozen but even that is a gamble.

Svalbard global seed vault
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svalbard_Global_Seed_Vault

 

[WGregMiller]

We keep ours in vacuum bags in the freezer.