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Seed life

Wasn't sure actually so I did a bit of reading up.

The long and the short of it is, if you plan on using them within 2 years then store them in an airtight container somewhere dark.

If you plan on using them after 2 years then apparently freezing them is the way to go.

To freeze them all you need to do is vacuum seal them in a bag which can be done with a zip-lock bag and "sucking" the excess air out, squeeze the sealed bag in a film bottle or other container and throw them in a freezer at around 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't forget to label the seeds, they can last around ten years or so but older seeds will take longer to sprout.

The colder the storage area is the more longevity the seeds will gain.

They will need to be thawed which takes around 12 hours before planting them, re-freezing a seed usually kills it.

Personally I've not germinated seeds older than 1.5 years so I'm going to chuck a few of the freebies I have into a zip-lock bag, stuffed into a jar and then shoved into my freezer. I'll let you know the results in about 10 years time. :D
 
Great info MNP!!! That answered a lot for me and I won't be waiting STILL for seed. Much appreciate your research. I never know how old the seeds are anyway especially with sales so I order with the idea that they are already old. I don't tend to buy on sale. Still no guarantee on age of seed.
again thanks a bunch :)
 
Moisture is the killer of seeds.

You can use desiccant packs or rice to keep the humidity low. DO NOT put them in direct contact with the seeds though. Keep them in a baggie or container and then in another container filled with your desiccant of choice.

If you do decide to freeze, put them in the back of the freezer where temperature and humidity will fluctuate the least.
 
I don't know this for sure but I get the feeling the seedbanks keep fairly fresh stocks and use giveaway's prize/free seeds/cheap deals and the like to keep the stock turning over. But you are right you never really do know, I haven't seen any with EXP dates on the packets.

I try to buy the minimum number per batch now, but I got so many free samples with my last order that I'll probably have enough to work with for years. :)
 
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