Introduction
If you have a lot of seeds, you may want to vacuum seal them for long-term storage. Vacuum sealing will keep the seeds dry and protected from moisture and pests. However, it is important to know that not all seeds can be stored in this way. Some seeds, such as pumpkin and sunflower seeds, need to be stored in the fridge or freezer instead.
To vacuum seal seeds, first make sure they are completely dry. Place the seeds in a clean, dry container, such as a mason jar. Then attach a vacuum sealer to the container and turn it on. The vacuum sealer will remove all the air from the container and create a tight seal. When the process is finished, your seeds will be vacuum sealed and ready for storage.
How long will seeds last if vacuum sealed? It depends on the type of seed. Many types of Seeds can last for years when stored in a cool, dark place; however, some types of Seeds will only last for a few months. If you are not sure how long your particular type of seed will last, it is best to consult a seed expert or perform a test by storing a small amount of Seeds for a short period of time before storing them long-term.
Shelf Life of Seeds
If you have ever wondered how long your seeds will last, you are not alone. People want to know how to store their seeds so they will have them when they need them. The best way to store seeds is in a cool, dark place.
Effect of Storage Conditions on Seed Longevity
Seeds are living organisms and, as such, their longevity is affected by the conditions under which they are stored. Seeds can be viable for many years if they are stored in a cool, dry place. However, if they are exposed to high temperatures or high humidity, their shelf life will be shortened.
The following table lists the approximate shelf life of seeds under different storage conditions.
Storage Condition Approximate Shelf Life
Cool (40-50 degrees F), dry 2-3 years
Cool (40-50 degrees F), humid 1-2 years
Warm (70-80 degrees F), dry 1 year
Warm (70-80 degrees F), humid 6 months – 1 year
How to Store Seeds for Long-Term Preservation
If you want to store seeds for future use, there are a few things you need to do to ensure they remain viable. Proper storage can prolong the life of your seeds so that they remain viable for many years.
The first thing you need to do is make sure the seeds are dry. If they are not dry, they will not store well and may not be viable when you go to plant them. Seeds that have been freshly harvested from fruits or vegetables can be dried in a dehydrator or in an oven set on the lowest possible temperature. You can also air-dry seeds by spreading them out on a screen or paper towel and placing them in a warm, dry location out of direct sunlight.
Once the seeds are dry, you will need to store them in an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work well, as do vacuum-sealed bags. If you are using bags, make sure to label them with the type of seed and the date so that you know what you have and when it was stored. Seeds can also be stored in the freezer if you have the space.
With proper storage, most seeds will remain viable for at least a few years, and some will last for many years. However, it is always best to plant your seeds as soon as possible for the best results.
Determining if Seeds are Viable
Whether you have a small home garden or you are a large scale commercial grower, at some point you are going to come across old seeds that you are not sure are still viable. There are a few ways to test seeds for viability before you take the time to plant them. One method is to use the paper towel method.
Seed Viability Tests
Optimal storage conditions make all the difference in the viability of your seeds. But, even the best storing conditions can’t make old seeds viable again. There are three simple tests you can do at home to check the viability of your stored seeds.
The first test is the float test. Fill a bowl with water and drop your seeds in. The viable seeds will sink to the bottom while the non-viable ones will float to the top. Remove the floating seeds and compost them.
The second test is the germination test. Place 10 of your seeds on a moist paper towel and fold it over, making sure all of the seeds are in contact with the towel. Place this in a warm place out of direct sunlight and check it every day. After 10 days, count the number of seeds that have germinated. If less than 50% of them have germinated, it’s time to compost those seeds and buy new ones.
The third test is called “scarification” and it’s used for particularly tough-skinned seed varieties like nasturtiums, morning glories, hollyhocks, and squash. Soak these seeds overnight in warm water and then plant them as usual.
You should scarify your nasturtiums, morning glories, hollyhocks, and squash seeds before planting them to help ensure germination.
Summary
Seeds will last indefinitely if stored in a cool, dry place, but for longest shelf life, store them in a vacuum-sealed container. If you do not have a vacuum sealer, put the seeds in a zip-top freezer bag and press all the air out before sealing.