Seed Storage

by Mayo

What constitutes saving seeds "properly".
What containers should I use?
Is it OK to save seeds in ziploc bags?

It's necessary to store seeds in cool, dry conditions. Since warmth and moisture are what seeds need to germinate, keeping them cool and dry helps retain all their energy for when you want them to grow.


You can store seeds in anything from an envelope (perfect way to recycle used envelopes), to glass jars or metal containers with lids that fit securely. Envelopes are great if you want to store many varieties in limited space.


Put the well-dried seeds in the envelope, jar or container. Make sure to add a label with the name of the variety, the year saved and anything else that will help you recall the plant and its characteristics in the years to come.

Add a desiccant (rice grains, powdered milk or silica gel) to the container with the seeds. If you're storing for a long period. It's a good idea to change the desiccant every 6 months or so. Using silica gel packs (those "do not eat" packets that come in vitamins, shoes, purses, etc.) makes it a snap to replace desiccants. Desiccants help continue and/or maintain the drying process.

If you're using an envelope, put the seeds in the envelope, write your information on it, then close it and put it in a re-sealable (ziploc-type) plastic bag along with a desiccant. The desiccant does not go in the envelope with the seeds. It goes in the plastic bag along with the envelope of seeds.

The envelope, jar or container can be stored in a cool area where temperatures do not fluctuate too much year 'round. The crisper drawer in refrigerators are good and so are cool basements.