storing seeds

[tha del sound]

i have some seeds i want to save for a while, and i was wondering how long seeds are good for. also, is there a way to store them that is better than another?

[texas grass]

cool dark dry places are the best. in film canasters in the fridge will work good. put some grains of rice or something to help absorb moisture.

seeds usually have a shelf life with good germination for about 3-5 years. seeds can germinate after 5 years but the germination rate will start to drop quickly

[tha del sound]

right now i have them in separate bags in a drawer. should i transfer them to a fridge? would a freezer be better than a fridge?

[texas grass]

right now i have them in separate bags in a drawer. should i transfer them to a fridge? would a freezer be better than a fridge?

bottom of fridge should be good

[tha del sound]

thanks!

[CanadianToker]

I store mine in plain paper envelopes, label with strain/year/quantity. Store somewhere cool and dry as the others have said.

[psteve]

Cool & dry.
A certain percentage of seeds will lose their viability each year.
Scientists have sprouted seeds that were centuries old...
But you shouldn't wait that long!
Seeds were meant to be grown!
Grow them or give them to someone who can use them now (or at least soon).

[tha del sound]

do they lose viability every year that passes or every year that passes after a certain ammount of time?

[texas grass]

do they lose viability every year that passes or every year that passes after a certain ammount of time?

generally about 5 yrs or so they start to drop in germination rates. it is possible to sprout seeds after 10-15yrs but you may only get a lucky 1

[takeittothehead]

well for my seeds i use an old medicine bottle...stored with my pots and pans away from the sink but in a dark place

[vaughnbode]

I agree with the med bottle, in a cool dark place. I have tested some stored for 3 years in a cabinet...they were fine. 100% germination.