Does anyone know if it's ok to store seeds in an ait less vacuum

i have twenty year old seeds that i stored in a seal bag. they are still working.

I just ordered a bunch of heritage seed, kinda of curious about this topic too.

Some of the stuff I have been reading says to freeze them, I have personally not done this but hopefully someone on here can give us some more info.

Here is some of the info I have ran across.

The best way to store seed long term is in sealed glass containers with a desiccant pack. These should be put in the oven at 200 degrees for 30 minutes to remove all moisture. Then they can be sealed in a jar of seed and left sitting on the counter for a week to remove the moisture. Then put the jar in the freezer. Seed stored this way will give good to very good germination for at least 5 years and can make it up to 10 years.



~The Doctor

I have been wondering about this also.

Ok so after you removed the moisture and seal the jar and freeze it what happens when the power goes out? Can you store seeds by not freezing them?

My seeds are Vacuum pack using a foodsaver and stored in the freezer....still germinated 6 yrs later.....

I have never personally tried freezing them, and from what I can read, you have to make sure to remove moisture from them if you plan to freeze them. Also, you have a good point, what if you loose power to the freezer.

Generally, I have just stored them in a cool dry place, using an old mason jar, to have for next years crops, so from that you seem to get about a year or two without using any refrigeration.

I have read that using plastic to store them in can cause mold on the seed, which I would account from the moisture. Some people have used a paper envelope, then put in a plastic bag, and toss in the frig. They say you can probably get 5 years or so from this. If the power goes out try and keep them cool until your power returns.

Still trying to find information on longer term from people who have actually done it, and can say they have germinated, that would be the best way.

Preferably without freezing, as from your point, if you have no power, cannot count on freezer.

Maybe we have some super duper seed experts on here!



~The Doctor

Last Edited by Döctör Whö on 02/22/2013 09:18 AM

A cheap desiccant (sucks up moisture so seeds don't go mouldy) is kitty litter,the silica gel type.
Adding a sprinkle of diamotacious earth or freezing for 2 weeks will kill any tiny bugs (that can chew up your precious seeds)
I've always kept my seeds in brown paper bags inside an old milo tin (dark but not airless) my theory is they are 'alive' (just add water) so I like them to be able to 'breathe'.

Above ^ 20 yrs, did you store them airless?

Maybe I will try some under vacuum and see how they do. Problem is, I'd hate to find out that it doesn't work when I need them most.

Here is a link to one of the sites I had book marked...

[link to readynutrition.com]

Like plzxplain mentioned, seeds are alive.

"Seeds are dormant until they are introduced to natural elements such as oxygen, moisture, sunlight and warmth that create a growth reaction. Keeping these elements away from the seeds will prolong their longevity."

If your going to store long term, make sure not to use the GMO seeds you get locally, you need a good heirloom seed.

It should be emphasized that if a person is purchasing seeds for long term sustainability, then the seeds purchased should be non-hybrid (non-GMO) and heirloom quality.

The cooler you keep them, the longer they will last.

~The Doctor

Which ever way you store them they will be alright for a good 3 to 5yrs (some seeds a lot longer) so if you grow and keep some seeds every year, you will be alright.
Just read up a bit on it, apparently seeds last a lot longer in freezer (vacuum sealed or not) but it is CRUCIAL that they are TOTALLY dry first.
If you lose power they will still be alright if they de-frost, for a good couple of years.
Also try to keep all seeds in a cool place (although mine still survive in our typical over 100 degree summers in my milo tin!)

Thanks for all the info

Here is a Longevity of seeds in ideal storage chart that also helps show how certain seeds store.

[link to www.hillgardens.com]

This will of course vary as mentioned, but gives you an idea of some expected times you should get.

~The Doctor

Last Edited by Döctör Whö on 02/22/2013 10:10 AM

Thanks much!

Great site! Thanks!

Welcome! Yup, pretty good site, definitely plan on getting some seeds stored and prepped with all that is going on.

Just a throw in topic, if you haven't seen Geodesic Dome & Aquaponics, another good thing to consider for growing food.
I plan on building one this spring.

Here is a quick video to show one.




~The Doctor

Good to see that sight had flowers too, think 'bees' :)
They didn't have sprouts though, a must for 'tough times' as they are extremely nutritious.

Sorry Op, I've got a bit of topic.

If its taking them that long to grow, wouldn't say they're working.

~The Doctor