How to and Tips for Saving/Storing Seeds?

[applestar]

This seems like the best forum for this -- I've never seriously saved seeds from year to year before. Oh, I have a zip bag labeled foxglove and the year or a snap lid container of something else, but I'm hoping folks who's been doing this for years have some wisdom to impart?

Could someone start a sticky? Best storage methods, what to include on the label, how to manage the sudden influx of all the different seeds that needs to be harvested RIGHT NOW, etc.

[bonsaiboy]

It is best to leave the seed coat on while the seed is being stored. I usualy add a small amount of mosture absorber (like salt) to help keep them viable, but this may not be a good idea for some species that may like it humid/moist. Unless the seed is ultra tropical, it is a good idea to keep them cool.

[bonsaiboy]

Oh, and a few tropical seeds (like that of the Ice cream bean) have to short of viability to be stored at all; some germinate while still in the fruit. Just thought you'd like to know this.

[cynthia_h]

Not to rain on your parade, applestar, but there have been whole books written about saving and preserving seeds.

I just (coincidentally) ordered one online: Seed to Seed, recommended by Seed Savers Exchange.

I'll def. review it when it arrives! But my personal experience has been limited to the usual: hollyhocks, four o'clocks, squash, pumpkins....

Cynthia H.
USDA Zone 9, Sunset Zone 17

[applestar]

Oh, I know, Cynthia... and Seed to Seed would be top on my list too (haven't got it yet, but I probably will eventually). It's just that when it's all said and done, nothing beats personal experience. You start researching into ANYTHING and you can get 10 different expert instructions, leaving you with

I like hearing and comparing what works for other people. I guess I like collecting anecdotes And I REALLY need help -- my kitchen table is piled high with bowls and containers of seeds and herbs to be processed or dried or stored away! We had a brief shower (1/4" or so) over night, then a few hours before the storm was forecast to hit the area, so I've been busy harvesting lemongrass, peppermint, lemon balm, spearmint, sage, rosemary, basil, lavender, dill weed/seeds, amaranth grain, Indian Corn, Four o'clock seeds, nut sedge/foxtail nuts for the gerbils, ... etc. The family has been banished to the couch to eat in front of the TV

--
Just noticed somebody started a similar thread over in the Veggie forum so I'll link it here: http://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/v ... 5dfff5d3b7
Also a thread for saving marigold seeds:
http://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/v ... .php?t=965

Obviously, I should've done a search first! Here's another helpful thread:
http://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/v ... php?t=8925

[unicorn2564]

I just look at my marrigold today . I decided I would wait till they are good and dry. In the middle is still pale colored so I will wait to pluck.

[Jess]

I store all orthodox (dried seed viable for decades!) in envelopes taped across the top for extra security so the seeds don't sneak out.
Each envelope is marked with the name and the date collected.
These are stored end on in a drawer so it is easy to flick through and see what I have got. I could be anal and store alphabetically but I like the thrill of the search lol!

For these seeds I think the most important thing to remember is to collect them only when completely dry. Any moisture on them and they will not last.
Secondly clean them properly. One little pest stored in your hastily collected handful of seeds will eat them all before you have a chance to plant any!

[bonsaiboy]

Before I throw my seeds into the jar full of salt, I wrap them in some tissue paper. Just to prevent any 'salt poisoning'.

[unicorn2564]

I just noticed the other day that a pack of seed I had recieved in a swap had mold now on it. It was in a tiny ziplock. I wuess I will have to watch how big the ziplocks are and put them in a paper envie from now on.
I also read that you can put powdered milk in with your seed to obsorb moisture. The person who wrote it said they had done it for years with no mold problems.

I store all orthodox (dried seed viable for decades!) in envelopes taped across the top for extra security so the seeds don't sneak out.
Each envelope is marked with the name and the date collected.
These are stored end on in a drawer so it is easy to flick through and see what I have got. I could be anal and store alphabetically but I like the thrill of the search lol!

For these seeds I think the most important thing to remember is to collect them only when completely dry. Any moisture on them and they will not last.
Secondly clean them properly. One little pest stored in your hastily collected handful of seeds will eat them all before you have a chance to plant any!

[Snippy]

Just wondering how people go about the seed exchange?

[Jess]

Snippy just post what you have and what you want on a new thread in this section.
I have access to an awful lot of seeds and also seeing as you are UK I can send you live plant material something you cannot do across the pond.

I just noticed you have added Canada! Never knew there was another Grimsby outside of UK.
Soo...forget the live plants then!

[Ilovegardening]

I guess this is an old topic, so I don't know if anyone will be reading this; but I was wondering if anyone had any information about how to preserve store-bought seeds so they will remain viable for a long time. I don't know if the procedure is different for store-bought seeds than for ones collected from home gardens.
If anyone does happen to read this and has any tips; I'd appreciate it so much.
I thank anyone ahead of time who may have some suggestions....although I doubt anyone will be reading this....but it's worth a try! Thanks again!

[redback001]

Store bought seed, or seed offered in the retail trade is normally supplied in a hermetically sealed envelope, sometimes foils, and sometimes plastic impregnated plastic.

There are a few reasons for this:
1) To limit the amount of moisture; the normal accepted moisture content of stored seed is in the region of 7% this provides a baseline for seed transactions that are processed on the basis of seed weight, an import aspect in high value F1 hybrid seed or even high volume bulk seed such as container loads of maize seed.
2) 7% moisture seems to provide a good balance between longevity and viability of the seed
3) Higher levels of moisture can result in premature germination, which if stalled once initiated will result in the seedling dying
4) To reduce the likelihood of opportunistic fungal infections (on untreated seed)
5) Reduce the likelihood of infestation by stored insect pests (again on untreated seed)

Seed longevity is determined by a number of factors, mainly storage conditions as well as the genetics of the plant in question. A general rule of thumb is that plants of tropical origin will degenerate at a faster rate than those of plants of arid origin. Under natural circumstances plants producing seed in an arid environment will have to endure far longer periods before idea germination conditions exist than those produced by plants in tropical areas – this is a general rule of thumb, and of course there are exceptions. For example, there was a recent case where a 2,000 year old excavated Date seed (Phoenix dactylifera) was successfully germinated i.e. the seed was still viable after 2,000 due to a combination of genetics and storage conditions.

Commercial seed companies normally store seed in cold rooms at approximately 10 degrees centigrade, the cold temperature lowering (the already slow metabolic) processes within the seed even lower. Storage at temperatures around zero degrees Centigrade are not ideal, water starts expand at 4 degrees and as such the expansion can rupture the cell walls of tissues within the seed, at zero degrees water freezes forming crystals which can again grow and rupture the tissues within the seeds killing them or causing physical/ damage within the seed. Again the above is determined by the moisture content of the seed as the temperature decreases.

It should be noted that certain species such as conifers, have a much (naturally) higher tolerance to extremely cold temperatures which has ensure the existence of these plants in nature; some studies indicate that this is because of a much lower moisture content in the seed and the possibility of some naturally “anti-freezesâ€

[thepassionatecook]

Many books suggest storing seed in the refrigerator within a small, airtight baggie. I store mine in the door next to the butter tray. This seems like the best method since most seeds remain dormant and viable in cool, arid conditions. I have also heard that putting one of those small packing salt packs in the baggie helps to prevent moisture accumulation.

[promethean_spark]

I also keep them in the fridge, inside Tupperware with desiccant packets from medicine bottles inside as well. I use the smallest plastic envelopes I can get (from the craft section of stores by the beads), and poke some tiny holes in the envelopes with a pin so that moisture can get out.