Proper Seed Storage

WITH PROPER STORAGE, GARDENERS CAN SAVE SEEDS FOR NEXT YEAR 



June 13, 1997 

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Gardeners usually have a few extra seeds or seed 
packages left over after planting their gardens, but a gardening expert in 
Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences says leftover seeds can be 
stored to grow another day. 

"Seeds are dormant living things that do not germinate to produce a new plant 
until warm temperatures and moisture break their dormancy," explains J. 
Robert Nuss, professor of ornamental horticulture. "To keep seeds dormant, 
you must keep them cool and dry." 

Nuss says some garden seeds can be stored for long periods without much 
special treatment. He lists the relative shelf life of some popular 
plantings. 



Five Years: Cucumber, endive and muskmelon. 
Four Years: Cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, pumpkin, radish and squash. 
Three Years: Beans, celery, carrot, lettuce, pea, spinach and tomato. 
Two Years: Beets and pepper seeds. 
One Year: Sweet corn, onion, parsley and parsnips. 



Nuss says that these relative seed shelf lives can be greatly improved by 
using several simple storage methods available to almost any homeowner. The 
key to storage is maintaining a constant temperature--preferably between 35 
and 41 degrees Fahrenheit--and eliminating excess moisture. 

"Moisture is the enemy," warns Nuss. "Germination is hastened by high 
humidity and moisture, either in contact with the seed or in the storage 
container." 

Nuss recommends the following storage methods: 



Closed containers. "Use cans with screw-top lids, glass jars, or individual 
seed envelopes sealed in glass jars," Nuss says. "Plastic 35 mm film 
containers are ideal for seed storage." 

Drying Agents. Placing an absorbent material in the container extends the 
life of the seed. "Dry powdered milk works well," he says. "It attracts 
moisture from its surroundings, so don't open the storage container except to 
use the seeds or change the drying agent." 



Nuss offers the following steps to create a powdered milk drying package. 



1. Unfold and stack four facial tissues. 

2. Put two heaping tablespoons of powdered milk on one corner. 

3. Fold and roll the tissue into a small packet, sealing the ends with tape 
or rubber bands. 

4. Place the packet in the larger container holding the seeds and seal the 
container. The drying agent should be changed every six months. 

5. Store in a refrigerator or a similar cool spot. "Do not put it in the 
freezer," Nuss says. 



"This method is a great way to save commercial seeds or those you have 
collected from friends," Nuss adds. 

### 

Contacts: 

John Wall 
John_Wall@agcs.cas.psu.edu 
(814) 863-2719 
(814) 865-1068 fax 




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Agricultural Information Services
Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences
106 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802 
(814) 863-3587 

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