Seed Storage

How yall doing this fine evening !!

I just have a question about seed storage in the fridge .What kind of temprature do keep the fridge at ? And how long can you keep them there for ? Do you recommend the freezer ?

I have a lot of seeds to keep for a while ! I know there is probably a thread about this already ,but i would like a fresh update .....

Cheers for all your help much appreciated

Robbyyt............

i just keep my seeds in a little wood box and put it in a cool place, but im not sure about the fridge thing

Cheers for the reply SMKPT

I store in an air-tight glass jar at low humidity. I don't use plastic, because I've heard it can breathe (might be BS). Seeds should germinate for the next 2-3 years.

For uninterrupted long term storage, freezing in a vacuum pack with a dessicant is best. Each time a batch of seeds goes through a freeze/thaw cycle, a few become unviable. For storage lengths of a few years or less, room temperature storage in an airtight container with a dessicant is satisfactory. Vacuum packing with dessicant and room temperature storage is best for access without the thaw and re-freezing that kills them. The problem with using the refrigerator for any period of time is the excessive amount of moisture constantly present. Each time the door is opened, moisture condenses on items inside, for which the dessicant is an inadequate deterrent for molds. A vacuum sealed container should not condense moisture on the inside. Using heat to remove any moisture present in rice or other "makeshift" dessicants will improve effectiveness and longevity. I have heard of vermiculite being used as a dessicant, but would recommend silica gel as a first choice. I heard of properly stored seeds over 10 years old still germinating at acceptable rates.

3) Cannabis seeds kept in the same conditions will store for over 10 years and still have nearly 100% germination.



The best dessicant for all three uses is silica gel with a coloured indicator. This can be used many times and will give many years of use. The most common indicator colour is blue when it is dry turning to pink when saturated. To recharge it you put it in a low oven on a baking tray at 110c for about 15 minutes until all the moisture has evaporated, once recharged it turns back to cobalt blue.



For skuff what is needed is an air tight container that has another small porous container in it containing a rechargeable desiccant. This is all that is needed for drying skuff at normal room temperature. A couple of ounces of silica gel will completely dry 6 oz of skuff.

For seeds use the same thing but in addition small porous containers are needed to store the seeds. It is important not to keep the seeds in the polythene/plastic bags used by the seed companies as they are impervious to water. The airtight container should be kept between 0 and 5 Centigrade, the salad crisper tray is fine.

Seeds are living organisms, storing them this way will slow down their aging process, aid their vigour and ability to germinate over a much longer period of time than normal. You can keep up to twenty thousand seeds in a jar 41/4 x 43/4 inches high.

I know this is WAY dated, but thanks! (see?!? I did a search before posting a new question )

So vacuum sealed in a dark place is good for a year or 2?

mogie said:

For uninterrupted long term storage, freezing in a vacuum pack with a dessicant is best. Each time a batch of seeds goes through a freeze/thaw cycle, a few become unviable. For storage lengths of a few years or less, room temperature storage in an airtight container with a dessicant is satisfactory. Vacuum packing with dessicant and room temperature storage is best for access without the thaw and re-freezing that kills them. The problem with using the refrigerator for any period of time is the excessive amount of moisture constantly present. Each time the door is opened, moisture condenses on items inside, for which the dessicant is an inadequate deterrent for molds. A vacuum sealed container should not condense moisture on the inside. Using heat to remove any moisture present in rice or other "makeshift" dessicants will improve effectiveness and longevity. I have heard of vermiculite being used as a dessicant, but would recommend silica gel as a first choice. I heard of properly stored seeds over 10 years old still germinating at acceptable rates.

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