Seed storage- method?

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Dinu Mysore, India(Zone 10a) Nov 29, 2001

I've been storing my plant seeds in small plastic boxes and I have left the lids open for aeration. Is this the right method? Or is there danger of the seeds dying if I close the lid? How long will seeds stay healthy? I'd appreciate some comments.

Post #18728
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Badseed Hillsboro, OH(Zone 6a) Nov 29, 2001

Hi Dinu,
I spread mine out on plates or paper towels until they are completely dry-usually a week or so. Then I put them in paper envelopes and store them in a large plastic box with a lid or in an extra chest or both. I keep them in the basement where it is cool and dark. I've had five year old tomato seeds sprout! I usually only trade the current years seeds, unless there is some other agreement, but I do still plant the older ones for myself. As seeds age, they will loose some percentage of germination, but keeping them dry and cool will make them last longer. With four (soon to be five) little ones running around and two dogs, I don't dare leave anything sitting open. LOL
Michele

Post #169946
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notmartha Bay City, MI(Zone 6a) Nov 29, 2001

i store mine in those General Mills Instant coffee containers -they are metal with plastic lids. they seem to be fine-and any lil bugz that make it in-die!

Post #170124
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Brook Richmond, KY(Zone 6b) Nov 30, 2001

I use various containers, all of which are closed once the seeds are properly dried. For small seed---tomatoes, peppers, etc.---I use pill vials. For larger seeds, like beans, I use the fibre-cans some snack foods and Chinese noodles come in.

Keep in mind that properly dried seeds, while alive, are dormant and do not need a lot of air to survive. That's why we can freeze them and still retain viability.

Seed viability, Dinu, depends on the species involved, and can range from one year to 15 years when stored in a cool, dry place.

Post #170321
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dave Nov 30, 2001

I store my smaller seeds in little baby food jars. Medium size seeds go into sealed 2"x3" ziplock baggies, and the large seeds go into big ziplock backs.

Post #170327
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kikisdad Spring Hill, FL(Zone 9a) Dec 03, 2001

Pill vials,ziplock bags,baby food jars,empty coffee tins (peas and beans),paper packets made from the templates on DG's and paper bags for seeds collected with flowerheads intact.

Post #171620
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Dinu Mysore, India(Zone 10a) Dec 03, 2001

Many thanks for the info.

Post #171699
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Brook Richmond, KY(Zone 6b) Dec 03, 2001

Dave:

In case you don't know it, Gerber is phasing out the screw-top baby food jars and replacing them with snap-on plastic types. So you may want to stock up on the old style jars while you still can.

Post #171733
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