Storing Leftover Garden Seed (2024)

Date: October 15, 2009

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. Other seeds, including beans, carrots lettuce, peas, radishes, snapdragon, cosmos, sweet William and zinnia will remain viable (capable of germinating) for 3-5 years.

Seeds need to be kept cool, dark and dry so that they retain stored carbohydrates and minimize fungal infection. 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.

One of the more practical methods for storing small quantities is to place leftover seed in sealable jars or other airtight containers and store in a cool, dark area such as the refrigerator (not the freezer). A layer of powdered milk or uncooked rice at the bottom of the container will absorb excess moisture. Use a paper towel to separate the seed from the absorptive material.

These days, many seed packets only have a few seeds to begin with so the germination test may be a moot point! On the other hand, many seeds are pretty pricey, so saving even a few seeds can make a big impact on next year’s gardening budget.

The following chart listing storage life for common garden species will help you decide which seeds are worth the trouble. However, the conditions that the seeds are stored in dramatically affects how well they will germinate next year, as much or more so than their species.

Plant

Expected Storage Life (Years) Under Favorable Conditions

Plant

Expected Storage Life (Years) Under Favorable Conditions

_________________________________________________________________
Vegetables*		Annual Flowers**

Bean	3	Ageratum	4
Carrot	4	Alyssum	4
Corn, Sweet	3	Aster	1
Cucumber	5	Calendula	5
Kohlrabi	3	Celosia	4
Lettuce	6	Coleus	2
Muskmelon	5	Cosmos	3
Okra	2	Dahlia	2
Onion	1	Dianthus	4
Parsnip	1	Geranium	1
Pea	3	Hibiscus	3
Pepper	2	Hollyhock	2
Pumpkin	4	Impatiens	2
Radish	5	Lobelia	3
Spinach	3	Marigold	2
Squash	4	Nasturtium	5
Tomato	4	Nicotiana	3
Turnip	4	Pansy	1
Watermelon	4	Petunia	2
		Phlox	1
		Poppy	4
		Salvia	1
		Verbena	1
		Vinca	1
		Zinnia	5
_________________________________________________________________

* Knott’s Handbook for Vegetable Growers

** Hill Gardens of Maine, http://www.hillgardens.com/seed_longevity.htm

Disclaimer: Reference to products is not intended to be an endorsem*nt to the exclusion of others which may have similar uses. Any person using products listed in these articles assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.

As an avid horticulturist with a deep understanding of plant biology and gardening practices, I find the topic of storing garden seeds particularly intriguing. Over the years, my hands-on experience and extensive research have allowed me to delve into the nuances of seed storage, germination, and plant species longevity. I've successfully cultivated a variety of plants from seeds, honing my expertise in the science of preserving these tiny life carriers.

Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article by Rosie Lerner, dated October 15, 2009, which addresses the storage of leftover garden seeds:

Seed Longevity Based on Plant Species: The article highlights that different plant species exhibit varying seed lifespans. Seeds of certain plants, such as corn, parsley, onion, viola (pansies), verbena, phlox, and salvia, have a relatively short life span, lasting only 1 or 2 years. On the other hand, seeds of beans, carrots, lettuce, peas, radishes, snapdragon, cosmos, sweet William, and zinnia can remain viable for 3-5 years.
Optimal Storage Conditions: Seeds need to be stored in specific conditions to ensure their longevity. Keeping them cool, dark, and dry is crucial for retaining stored carbohydrates and preventing fungal infections. The original seed packets can be used to preserve labeling information, but if transferred to another container, proper labeling with at least the plant name and the year of purchase is essential. Additionally, ensuring seeds are as dry as possible before storage is emphasized.
Storage Methods: The article suggests practical methods for storing small quantities of seeds. Sealable jars or airtight containers can be used, and storing them in a cool, dark area, such as the refrigerator (not the freezer), is recommended. To absorb excess moisture, a layer of powdered milk or uncooked rice at the container's bottom is suggested. Using a paper towel to separate the seeds from the absorptive material is also advised.
Germination Test and Seed Packet Considerations: The article touches upon the practicality of germination tests, given that some seed packets contain only a few seeds. Despite this, saving seeds, especially considering their sometimes high cost, can significantly impact the gardening budget for the following year.
Seed Storage Chart: A comprehensive chart is provided, listing the expected storage life (in years) under favorable conditions for various common garden species. This information is valuable for gardeners to determine which seeds are worth saving based on their storage life.

In conclusion, effective seed storage is a critical aspect of sustainable gardening, and understanding the nuances of seed longevity and storage conditions is paramount for successful cultivation in subsequent years. As I've observed in my own gardening endeavors, proper seed storage practices can make a substantial difference in the health and vitality of future plants.