Under ordinary room conditions (= open storage), viability of many seeds is reduced by halfwithin 6 months.
- Seeds with harder seed coats tend to live longer than those with thin coats.
- For improved storability, seed moisture and storage temperature must be kept lowand controlled.
To store seeds, follow this simple procedure step-by-step:
Store only new, mature, healthy and well-dried seeds.
Keep them in dry and cool place to extend their viability.
Seeds easily re-absorb moisture. To maintain dryness, keep seeds in air-tightcontainers like tin cans or glass jars with tight fitting lids.
Put in some moisture absorbing material. Dry wood ash, dry charcoal, powderedmilk, toasted (cooled) rice, or small pieces of newspaper are all good. The dryingmaterial should take up about one-fourth of the container space.
Label the containers with the type of seed, place, and date of collection.
If possible, include the initial percent viability of the seeds. To do this, plant someseed to see how many germinate. If 8 of 10 germinate, for example, percent viabilityis 80%. This information will help you to learn about how much each type of seedloses viability between collection and planting.
Protect seeds from insects and fungi. Before storing in containers, mix with dry ash,powdered seeds of black pepper or neem leaves. Or use extract of neem, peanut,castor bean, or cotton: 1 teaspoon oil/1 kg seed. Or use naphthalene balls: 1 or2 pieces/10 kg seed.
Protect from rodents and birds during storage.
For good seed storage, always use sealed containers.
After seed has been dried properly, store it in tin cans, metal boxes, glass jars, orplastic bags or container with lids that can be sealed (Figure 25).
| Points to remember when using sealed containers: | |
- Never seal in moist seed.
- Use airtight containers.
- Make sure that the container is clean.
- Open the seed containers only when necessary.
|
| Some species have seeds which do not tolerate drying or cold temperatures. Examples of these are rambutan, durian, mangosteen, mango, jackfruit, avocado, rubber, cacao, mahogany, and neem. They can only be stored from several days, up to a few months under ordinary room conditions. It is best, therefore, to plant these kinds soon after collection. But if they must be stored: |
Do not dry the seeds completely. Leave them a little moist. Aim for a dry seed coat, but a moist seed kernel. Fill plastic bags half and half with seed, and slightly damp charcoal, peat moss, sawdust, or sand. Keep the bags in a cool place. Open the bags for one-half hour each day to permit air to enter.
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| Figure 25 Seed storage containers: metal box, tincan, plastic or glass jar. |
The length of time for seed storability of some species is given in Appendix I.
FAQs
They lose viability if stored improperly. While most seed companies will tell you to replace seeds every 2-3 years, those seeds will keep for decades and will germinate when planted if kept in a cool, dark, and dry place. The germination ratio may drop, but keep planting those seeds until you run out.
What is the best way to collect and store seeds? ›
Place your seeds in an envelope or paper bag and seal them in plastic containers or glass jars. If you are not convinced that your seeds are dry, eliminate the airtight container step. Remember to keep the labels with the seeds.
How do you store tree seeds? ›
To store seeds, follow this simple procedure step-by-step:
Store only new, mature, healthy and well-dried seeds. Keep them in dry and cool place to extend their viability. Seeds easily re-absorb moisture. To maintain dryness, keep seeds in air-tight containers like tin cans or glass jars with tight fitting lids.
How are tree seeds collected? ›
Methods of collection
If the crop is within easy reach, some seeds can be collected by hand from the tree. With certain types of seed, a large amount of seed can be collected in a short time this way. Bunches of berries can be carefully removed using secateurs. But please take care not to remove any buds.
Why is seed storage important? ›
The purpose of seed storage is to maintain the seed in good physical and physiological condition from the time they are harvested until the time they are planted. Seeds have to be stored, of course, because there is usually a period of time between harvest and planting.
Are 10 year old seeds still good? ›
How long do seeds usually last? When stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, seeds for many garden vegetables will be viable for around 3 years. Some, like onions and parsnips, are viable for only a year or two. Others, like squashes and tomatoes, last longer, for 5+ years.
What is the best container for storing seeds? ›
To ensure its longevity, ensure you store the seeds in a cool, dry and dark place, ideally in a specially designed seed box. Look for boxes made from UV-resistant materials and airtight seals and ventilation to protect from moisture, temperature changes and pests. This Product Guide was last updated in October 2023.
Is it better to store seeds in paper or plastic? ›
Seeds can be stored in sealed containers, plastic bags, and wax or paper envelopes. When seeds are stored in sealed containers, ensure that moisture is not trapped within the container; if you see condensation forming inside the jar or container, you may have issues.
How and when to collect seeds? ›
As a rough guide, seed is set about two months after flowering. Some seed is collected when well-developed but immature and green, such as Anemone nemorosa, calendula and Ranunculus. Berries need to be collected before they are taken by birds. The plants from which you collect seed must be healthy and vigorous.
Do tree seeds go bad? ›
Nearly all seeds remain viable (able to germinate) for at least a year, and a vast majority retain the ability to germinate for at least two years.
Storing Container-Grown Seedlings
For best results plant immediately, but with proper care they can be held for several weeks. Store them in light shade, and protect them from wind. Set the containers above the ground (i.e. on 2-inch by 4-inch boards) or the roots will quickly grow into the soil.
Should you soak tree seeds? ›
Soaking seeds supplies your plants a jump start right at the beginning of their lives. The water both softens the seed shell and supplies water to the seed interior. Once soaked, seeds and the plants inside them use that moisture to grow and push out new growth.
How do you collect and store seeds? ›
Once collected seed is clean and dry, place it in a paper envelope and seal in a plastic bag. Label each packet with the species and variety name and year it was collected. Keep purchased seeds in their original packages.
How do you extract tree seeds? ›
Place the cones or bracts in an open box (or large paper bag) and keep in a warm, dry place. As they dry, stir or shake them in the box or bag to dislodge the seeds. When completely dry, store in bags in a cool, dry place.
What is seed tree harvesting? ›
The seed-tree method is the removal of the old stand in one harvest entry, except for a small number of trees left singly, in small groups, or narrow strips, as a source of seed for natural regeneration. This method mimics a large-scale disturbance, in which a few mature trees are left per acre.
Is it worth saving seeds? ›
Saving seeds allows you to select for particular characteristics you might like to cultivate by selecting fruits or plants to harvest from with those same traits. You can choose the best tasting, largest, earliest ripening fruits to save from that would ensure these same qualities in the next generation.
Do seeds need to be stored? ›
Store your seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Exposure to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit will greatly decrease the viability of your seed for future planting seasons. Seeds can be stored in sealed containers, plastic bags, and wax or paper envelopes.
What is the best storage for seeds? ›
For long-term storage—or if you don't have a basem*nt or cupboard with consistent temperatures—consider freezing (completely dry) seeds in a glass jar. The refrigerator is second-best, since temperatures aren't as consistent there. This part is so important for keeping the quality of seeds!
What is the safe storage of seeds? ›
Seed selection for extended storability
- Store well mature seeds.
- Store normal coloured seeds.
- Seeds should be free from mechanical injury.
- Seeds should not have met with adverse conditions during maturation.
- Seeds should be dried to optimum moisture content.
- Seeds should be treated with fungicides before storage.
