Many people are attracted to heirloom seeds and gardening for the variety and flavor. Once they realize that heirlooms are open pollinated seeds that can be saved and replanted year after year, they often ask how to start saving their own seeds.
This is not hard, but there are some basics to understand first. With a little knowledge you will be able to make the choice to save seeds, or realize it’s not something you want to pursue at this point. Please realize that this is an only in introduction, as there are several excellent seed saving books on the subject if you want to learn more.
Short term storage is the largest concern for most home gardeners and even most market growers, as they are looking for a way to have viable seeds for next year, not 10 years from now.
This is the same concern that humans have had since we started planting seeds some 10,000 – 12,000 years ago. There is some confusion as to how to keep seeds viable for a couple of years, as the news about seed banks and the high tech methods have created a false sense of need.
You don’t need high-tech, expensive equipment! You already have everything in your house that you need.
Temperature and humidity are the two main concerns in any seed storage setup. A place that is consistently cool and low humidity are what’s needed, as temperature fluctuations will shorten the life and viability of your seeds.
Your refrigerator or freezer is ideal; you won’t need a lot of room as seeds are usually small.
Short Term Storage
There are environmental concerns to be aware of such as ambient humidity and temperature. If you live in a high humidity environment you will need to take certain precautions, just as if you live in a high temperature area.
In many areas the refrigerator is fine, as long as you put the seeds towards the back and in an area that isn’t exposed to the temperature fluctuations of the door opening. The freezer answers the temperature fluctuations, as it is opened a lot less than the fridge door.
Freezing seeds does not harm them, and can greatly extend their lifespan if done properly.
All seed banks freeze their seeds intended for long term storage! Humidity is a greater concern with freezing, as a blast of warm humid air on frozen seeds can damage them. If you live in a high humidity area, smaller packets of seeds for one years planting will be ideal, as the packet can be pulled from the larger seed storage without exposing the rest of the seeds to temperature/humidity fluctuations.
If you are saving seeds from a seed packet where you didn’t use all of the seeds, keep the packet and put it into a Ziploc baggie. Date the baggie and put it into a gallon sized Ziploc that has the date on it as well.
If you don’t date everything, you will wonder how long the seed has been in storage…
If you are saving seeds from harvest, put all of the info on the baggie- common name, scientific name, date, and any notes you want to remember next year when you pull it out.
This is the time to start a garden/seed journal as well, to document what you planted, what grew well, what challenges you had, bugs, disease, weather, etc. that you will forget in 3 or 4 years.
As with anything you will need to experiment and learn what works best for you and in your specific, unique situation. Some high humidity areas need to store their seeds in smaller quantities and pull the individual packets out of the storage container that are needed for that years planting, put them into another container in the back of the fridge to thaw out for a couple of days, then finally bring them out into the room to finish warming up.
Most areas aren’t nearly as exacting, with the seeds going from the freezer to a covered container on the counter for a couple of days to thaw and stabilize before being planted. One side note, some seeds will germinate better after freezing/refrigerating, as this imitates the natural winter season in the ground.
Longer Term Storage
Long term storage is similar to short term, but the freezer is almost always used, with chest freezers purchased specifically for seeds acting as miniature seed banks.
Only seeds are stored in the freezer and it is opened only a couple of times a year, so temperature swings are minimized. The freezer is usually run at about -15F. Most seeds will last a minimum of 5 years with certain hardy varieties lasting 20+ years!
This is obviously the domain of the serious seed saver. There are a lot of individuals that fall into this category, which surprises many people, who think that serious seed saving and seed banks are reserved for seed companies or government agencies.
Individual seed banks were common until the 1920’s, and are on the rise again. It makes a lot of sense to have a local or community seed bank, as the varieties saved are locally adapted and proven producers; poor performers simply aren’t saved. Local knowledge on what grows well is indispensable and is not possible to have at a company or government level except for possibly at the local level, as the time and interest is just not there.
To start saving seeds, they must be clean and dry, free of vegetable matter or mold/mildew.
Most seeds are intuitive to save, just let them dry on the vine/cob/pod and shell or separate the seeds from the husk/cob/pod and you’re done! Some, like tomatoes need a little more work, such as fermenting the gel coat off of the seeds, washing and then drying them.
Start with an easily processed seed to get the feel and see if this is something you want to do. Also, start with saving something that you like and are interested in eating again.
Be warned though, once you start it becomes a bit of an obsession as you realize that you are starting to take control of your food and the future of what you eat! It is a powerful and liberating feeling. You might even become a food rebel!
FAQs
Keeping your saved seeds
Store seeds in tightly sealed glass containers. You can store different kinds of seeds, each in individual paper packets, together in a large container. Keep seeds dry and cool. A temperature between 32° and 41°F is ideal, so your refrigerator can be a good place to store seeds.
How should seeds be stored at home to maintain its viability? ›
Keep seeds out of direct sunlight in a cool spot that maintains a fairly consistent temperature. Consider a cold closet, a basem*nt, or a room on the north side of your home that remains cool year round. Freezing isn't necessary for short-term storage, but you can refrigerate seeds, provided they are sufficiently dry.
How long should you dry seeds before storing? ›
Spread the seeds on newspapers, in a cardboard box, or in an old telephone directory, and allow them to dry between one and three weeks. Often seeds need to be separated from the chaff (the seed casings and debris).
Is it OK to store seeds in a shed? ›
A dry and cool storage place is a must – always avoid keeping seed anywhere warm and moist, as this can cause fungal growth or damage the seeds' viability. Inside a fridge at around 5 degrees is perfect, otherwise cool and shaded sheds are great too.
Is it better to store seeds in glass or plastic? ›
For the most part, it doesn't matter what material the container is made out of. It could be plastic, glass, or paper. However, if you choose to use plastic or glass, especially if it is airtight, then make certain the seeds are completely dry first. If they contain any moisture at all, they will likely mold.
Should I Store seeds in fridge or freezer? ›
Put the containers in a dry and cool place.
Humidity and warmth shorten a seed's shelf life, so the refrigerator is generally the best place to store seeds, but keep them far away from the freezer.
How do you store seeds long term Preppers? ›
Store Seeds in an Airtight Container
If you are planning a 'bug out bag' and won't be planting the seeds each year use a plastic freezer bag, a vacuum sealer bag (vacuum seal for best results), or a mylar bag. The mylar bag is the best option for long-term storage.
Can I vacuum seal seeds for storage? ›
Vacuum sealing seeds is an effective way to extend their viability, for two main reasons. First, maintaining seeds under a vacuum keeps humidity out of the storage container, which is very important in areas where humidity is high during at least part of the year (e.g. during rainy season).
Will 20 year old seeds grow? ›
Yes! Even seeds that are thousands of years old can germinate. But proper pre-treatment is essential, and the older the seed, the less energy it has left in storage. Seeds from annual plants aren't often designed to last many years, part of what makes the germination process so tricky.
Do you have to dry fresh seeds? ›
Seeds are meant to germinate when they're moist, and hibernate when they're dry. That's why it's important to dry your seeds after you harvest them. Open-air drying is the best way, and there are several methods for creating just the right conditions for perfect seed drying, using ordinary household items.
You should observe seeds sprouting in about five to seven days. The biggest drawback to the paper towel method is that the delicate, sprouted seeds must be transplanted manually to soil or another moisture-holding medium such as vermiculite.
Which seeds Cannot be stored? ›
Recalcitrant. Seeds which cannot survive drying below a relatively high moisture content (often in the range 20–50% wet basis) and which cannot be successfully stored for long periods.
Are pill bottles good for storing seeds? ›
If you have decided to save seeds from your harvest this year, use a clean, dry pill bottle to store them for next season. Though plastic is not necessarily the ideal seed saving medium, pill bottles are sanitary, easy to label and provide an airtight defense against moisture (as long as they are dry to begin with).
Can you store seeds in a sealed container? ›
Once your seeds are well-dried, package them into airtight containers. Snap top mason jars are excellent for seeds, though glass jars with thicker rubber seals and metal clasps make a better seal for long term storage. Remember that many seed envelopes can fit inside one jar!
What is the best container to save seeds? ›
The Best Conditions for Storing Seeds
Airtight containers are important for storing seeds—the containers can be glass, metal, or plastic. I store my seeds in seed envelopes in a large, airtight, plastic container. However, I also like to use Mason jars, but I trust myself less with them when I go outside to plant.
Do you keep seeds that float or sink? ›
One method to check for seed viability is the water test. Take the seeds and place them in a container of water. Let the seeds sit for 15 minutes. If the seeds sink, they are still viable; if they float, discard, because they probably will not sprout.
Do seeds need to be stored air tight? ›
For long-term storage, place seed packets or bulk quantities of seed in a large, airtight container (such as a mason jar with a 2-piece lid) and store in the refrigerator or freezer. It's very important that the container be airtight to prevent moisture from getting onto your seeds.
How long do seeds last in sealed packets? ›
Seeds in good condition and stored properly will last at least one year and, depending on the plant, may last two to five years.
Can I store seeds in parchment paper? ›
Drying & Storing Seeds
Ideal drying temperatures are between 60-100 degrees, and your seeds should be spread out in a thin layer on a piece of parchment paper. Place them in a well-ventilated place. Stir them every day or two to ensure that they dry evenly.
How long does seed last in a bag? ›
Your seeds' shelf life depends on how carefully you've stored your seeds. Most perennial flowers are good for about 5 years, and most annual flower seeds will last up to 3 years. Pro tip: Save time by writing the expected expiration date on your seed packets.
Recalcitrant seeds cannot be stored in a conventional freezer as they cannot survive after drying and/or freezing at -20°C.
Why do you freeze seeds before planting? ›
This is known as stratification, or cold treatment. You can tell seeds that need a cold period before germinating because they have hard bony coats that are impervious to water. Having such a tough shell ensures that germination occurs only when conditions are right.
Can you store seeds for 20 years? ›
The truth is seeds don't expire. They lose viability if stored improperly. While most seed companies will tell you to replace seeds every 2-3 years, those seeds will keep for decades and will germinate when planted if kept in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Can you freeze seeds for long term storage? ›
Freezing is a great way to store seeds for the long haul. If you're planning on sowing them within a few years, it's probably not going to make a huge difference, though it couldn't hurt. Just be sure: Only freeze seeds that are completely dry.
Can you save seeds from packets for next year? ›
You can keep the seeds in their original packets to preserve their labeling information. If you transfer the seeds to another container, be sure to label them with at least the plant name and the year the seed was purchased. Either way, be sure the seed is as dry as possible before placing in storage.
Can you use oxygen absorbers with seeds? ›
The use of an oxygen absorber in a sealed container such as Mylar or a glass jar will not harm the seeds and may help to extend the shelf life because it leaves all of the nitrogen behind. Vacuum sealing has been shown to extend the storage life of larger, sturdy seeds such as beans, peas, and corn.
What is the oldest seed to germinate? ›
The oldest seed that has grown into a viable plant was a Judean date palm seed about 2,000 years old, recovered from excavations at Herod the Great's palace on Masada in Israel. It had been preserved in a cool, dry place, not by freezing. It was germinated in 2005.
Can seeds last 100 years? ›
From the research done by conservationists, the durability of a seed is known to depend critically on how it is stored: keep it in ultra-cold, dry conditions and you can expect it to stay alive for several hundred years.
What seed comes back every year? ›
Perennials are plants that will not die at the end of the season (though many will go dormant). They will return to flower and fruit year after year. Self-sowing annuals are plants that will drop seed in your garden before they die and will germinate on their own the following year.
What happens if you don't soak seeds before planting? ›
As a general rule of thumb, your seeds will sprout even if you don't soak your seeds before planting, but with soaking the germination time decreases, and the germination rate increases. Seeds that have a continual flow of moisture to uptake have much higher chances of success.
What about taking the seed from the fruit and planting it to grow out into a tree for their garden? Unfortunately, fruit trees do not grow out from seeds in the fruit. If you collect seed from a plant, the seeds will produce plants that will be a hybrid of two plants.
What happens if you don't soak seeds? ›
Soaking your seeds in warm water helps to soften the shell, allowing the germination process to happen easier. Soaking your seeds provides an additional benefit. Seeds can be “guarded” with inhibitors, which prevent seeds from germinating inside of the fruit.
Why won't my seeds germinate in paper towel? ›
The paper towel is too wet: Seeds swimming in water may rot before they sprout, especially if they require a longer germination period. The paper towel is too dry: Seeds need consistent moisture to germinate, and you may need to mist the paper towel periodically to keep them moist.
What happens if you soak your seeds too long? ›
Soak the wrong seeds for too long and you risk 'drowning' them, where they begin to rot and ferment before germination can start. On a more practical level, soaking adds another layer of complexity to the whole plant-growing process.
Can you soak seed for too long? ›
Just long enough for the seeds to swell but not so long that they might begin to sour and rot. Overnight is usually good. Many sources recommend 8-12 hours and no more than 24 hours. Again, too much soaking and the seeds will start to decompose.
What are the easiest seeds to save? ›
The easiest plants for seed saving are peas, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers. I saved the first three accidentally, then 'graduated' to intentional seed saving with the last two.
Are seeds still good after 5 years? ›
Seeds that have been stored in a cool, dry place are generally viable for at least a year past the season for which they were packaged and may be good for up to five years.
Should seeds be covered with plastic? ›
To speed germination, cover the pots with plastic wrap or a plastic dome that fits over the seed-starting tray. This helps keep the seeds moist before they germinate. When you see the first signs of green, remove the cover.
What containers are best for growing seeds and why? ›
Clamshell containers, especially those with a clear lid, can make great planting trays for seedlings. Simply punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage, fill with soil, plant the seeds, and use the clear lid as a mini-greenhouse until the seedlings have emerged.
Is there a shelf life for seeds? ›
Most seeds last three to five years after purchase, but those dates can vary depending on the variety. Lettuce, peppers, parsnips and onions have a short lifespan and should be planted within a year or two. Corn and beans are among the best for long-term storage. “I've had them last for 10 years,” Agrella said.
Store only new, mature, healthy and well-dried seeds. Keep them in dry and cool place to extend their viability. Seeds easily re-absorb moisture. To maintain dryness, keep seeds in air-tight containers like tin cans or glass jars with tight fitting lids.
What are the types of seed storage? ›
Types of seed storage
- Bulk (open) storage.
- Bag storage.
- Classification of packaging materials or containers used for bag storage. Moisture and vapour pervious containers.
- Moisture impervious but vapour pervious containers.
- Moisture and vapour proof containers.
Humidity and warmth shorten a seed's shelf life, so the refrigerator is generally the best place to store seeds, but keep them far away from the freezer.
Should I Store seeds in the freezer? ›
Freezing is a great way to store seeds for the long haul. If you're planning on sowing them within a few years, it's probably not going to make a huge difference, though it couldn't hurt. Just be sure: Only freeze seeds that are completely dry.
How do you dry seeds for storage? ›
The best way to dry seeds is to spread them out so the air can get at each one, and let them naturally dry in the open. Plates, wide bowls, pie plates, baking sheets, or serving trays are all good, as long as the seeds are spread thinly so they dry quickly.
What is the most important factor to consider in seed storage? ›
Relative Humidity and temperature are the most important factors determining the storage life of seeds. Seeds attain a specific and characteristic moisture content when subjected to given levels of atmospheric humidities. This characteristic moisture content called equilibrium moisture content.
Can I save unused seeds for next year? ›
If you didn't use up all of the garden seed you bought this year, much of it can be stored for use in next year's garden, depending on the plant species. Seeds of some plants, such as corn, parsley, onion, viola (pansies), verbena, phlox and salvia, are not very long lived, lasting only 1 or 2 years at best.
