Storing Seed to Preserve Viability
Answered by: Ginny
Question from: Sabina
Posted on: September 22, 2010

I was wondering how to properly store seeds (e.g. fridge, room temp., with drying agents) to prevent mold, etc.?

The seeds that you purchased for your order will maintain their viability and vigour if kept in a cool, dry and dark environment such as a refrigerator. Placing the seed packages in an airtight container and keeping them at 25-40% humidity at a temperature between 4 - 15 degrees Celsius ( 40 - 60 d. Fahrenheit) is ideal. The best situation is to verify that the total of the temperature in Fahrenheit plus the humidity level does not exceed 100. For example, a temperature of less than 60 degrees F. with humidity of less than 40% is fine. This will keep any problems with molds at bay. As an added precaution, place a silica gel packet in the airtight container. Your seeds are generally assessed at a 5 year shelf life, but it is not unusual to have nice germination rates well beyond this time frame. Good luck with your seeds!

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