How to store seeds long term?

[rooted1]

I have started growing and I have purchased too many seeds for this season. I have read that seeds go bad over time. I have also read that some people freeze or refrigerate them. What if the power goes out? Will they not thaw and go bad at that time? I am looking for input on the best methods for long term storage. Thank you.

 

[Vagician]

Freezer is the best, by far. It's how they store seeds in the Svalbard global seed vault. I wrap my seeds fairly tight in a dry paper towel then put that in a labeled ziploc. I just germinated some peppers that have been in the freezer for 4 years and had almost 100% germination.

 

[rooted1]

Thank you. What if my freezer stops working after I have frozen the seeds? Will my seeds lose viability or can I just freeze them again? What if I want to trade some to someone? Can I gift them and then they can just put them back into their freezer or does that mess them up?

 

[Vagician]

They'll just store longer in the freezer than if they're just out on a shelf. It's best to keep them in there until you are ready to plant but going in and out a few times shouldn't be a problem. Heat is your real enemy with most seeds. The pepper seeds I had mentioned moved with me state to state and freezer to freezer about 3 times before I planted them recently. The freezer basically slows the timer on them not being viable.

 

[bonepowa]

yup refrigeration or freezer is probably best storage method

 

[dire wolf]

Short term , like 2 years , cool dry place should be fine....

 

[Rootbound]

When using the freezer method, you need to be sure the seeds have dried out good after harvesting. I believe they say you need less than 9% moisture inside the seed or you risk rupturing the seed when it freezes. I keep mine in the crisper in the fridge sealed in air tight containers with rice in the bottom. 10-15 yr old seed germinate just fine still.

 

[growsince79]

When using the freezer method, you need to be sure the seeds have dried out good after harvesting. I believe they say you need less than 9% moisture inside the seed or you risk rupturing the seed when it freezes. I keep mine in the crisper in the fridge sealed in air tight containers with rice in the bottom. 10-15 yr old seed germinate just fine still.

Thanks for the post. I recently tried to germinate 12 yo seeds that were stored in a safe for 12 years, complete fail 0% success.

 

[dire wolf]

For what its worth , i just gave 20 year old seed to my buddy , no problems
Had them under my bed in a shoebox ....