Saving & Storing Garden Seeds for Next Season Posted on 28 Oct 20:38 , 2 comments

We've had quite a few request about what to do with left over seeds.  At Mary's Heirloom Seeds, a packet of Snowball Self-Blanching Cauliflower contains 200 heirloom seeds. If you don't plant all 200, You can share them with your friends and family or you can store them for next season/year.



For the best germination rates, try to use all stored flower and vegetable seeds the next growing season. Seed health and viability goes down the longer the seeds are stored.

How long can seeds be stored?

From ehow, "Seed health and viability goes down the longer the seeds are stored. If you must store seeds longer, keep in mind that most types of seeds last approximately 3 to 5 years for optimal germination. 
For flowers, annuals typically last anywhere from one to five years, while perennial seeds can get stored for two to four years. Regardless of the type of seed, the sooner it gets planted, the better.

If you plan to save your own seeds they should be from produce that is very ripe but not rotten.  Remember, cross-pollination is always a possibility when/if you plant in close proximity.

Seed saving is easy for varieties that "bolt" (flower and go to seed) such as Basil, Dill and Cilantro.  Allow the seeds to fully dry and store accordingly.

Pulp and Seeds removed
Cleaned and dried seeds from an Amanas D'Amerique A Chair Verte Melon


Storage Options
If you save seeds from your own produce, seeds should be completely cleaned and dry before storing.

Paper is the best storage option for seeds.  Packets should be labelled with date of storage and variety of seed.

If you are storing purchased seeds they have already been cleaned.  If possible, store seeds in their original packaging to avoid mixing up seed varieties.

Excessive heat, light and moisture can damage seeds and make them less viable.  Some people store their seeds in the refrigerator and that's just fine.  I prefer a cabinet or closet (not in the garage, around the oven or above the refrigerator.
 
Store seed packets in a glass jar and keep in a cool, dry, dark place.

I like to use these Purple Vintage Jars.  

The purple jars are a bit darker than the regular jars and they're super easy to label.  Check em out at Mary's Heirloom Seeds, Heritage Collection Seed Saver Jars!

We've added a few new, medicinal varieties this past month.  Have you seen em?
GIANT HYSSOP
Marsh Mallow
RUE
Did you read our article Mycorrhizae The Fantastic Fungus ?

 

I hope you have enjoyed our latest educational article.  If you have additional questions please feel free to contact us at mary@marysheirloomseeds.com


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