Tomato Seed Question

Arriga · Mon Mar 16, 2015 11:36 am

This year I will be trying to grow my tomato plant from seed. My question is since 30 seeds come in a pack, how do I save the unused seeds for next year? Thanks in advance!

redneck647 · Mon Mar 16, 2015 2:36 pm

Some people but them in the refrigerator but personally I paper clip the pack shut and toss it in a drawer with my other seeds.

Mr green · Mon Mar 16, 2015 2:41 pm

I'm doing the same method as redneck, and I still have viable seeds 5years old so someplace dry is good. Ofc you can probably make them last longer if stored cool but to me just aint worth it.

JayPoc · Mon Mar 16, 2015 2:41 pm

I just fold the paper down 2 or 3 times, and put it back down in the big bag with all my other seeds. I've used some 3 or 4 years later with no significant drop-off in germination. Keep them cool, dry, and dark, and you're good to go. I just keep mine in a little space in my panty, or hang the bag from the inside of the door...lol...

imafan26 · Mon Mar 16, 2015 8:22 pm

It depends on where you live. It is 88 degrees in the daytime on most summer days. It can be over 100 in a house that has all the windows and doors closed when people are out or at work all day.

If you don't get that hot and you don't have a lot of humidity, (I do), a drawer or box will do. Seeds have different viabilities and I have tomato seeds that are still sprouting after 5 years, but I do keep mine refrigerated. I have dill and beans still germinating after 9 and 13 years, but corn and zucchini drop off rapidly after a year unless the seeds are frozen.

jal_ut · Tue Mar 17, 2015 3:25 am

I have a cardboard box of seeds that resides in the garage (unheated). Seed packets go in there.

rainbowgardener · Tue Mar 17, 2015 7:52 am

I'm one that refrigerates. Put envelopes of seeds in paper bag and put them in fridge or freezer.

I live where summers are very hot and HUMID. I have had seeds that never got put away and were left out all year. Some still germinated, but germination percent was significantly lower.

I think as others have said, that humidity is what ruins them. Note that James, who doesn't refrigerate, lives in a very dry climate. If you have a cool, dark, dry place you can store them, they probably are fine without refrigeration.