Seed Storage and Germination Testing

First and foremost, you will need to protect the seed from any extremes. No high heat or high moisture allowed please. I like to store my seed in airtight plastic containers in the bottom of the fridge. This places them out of the way and insures they will stay nice and cool for the months that have to go by from one spring to the next.

Each little seed is actually a very tiny, but complete plant that is enclosed in a seed coat. The coat is tough and hard and protects it until conditions become right for growth. This usually happens in the early spring when the soil gets above 50F and moisture is then allowed to soak into the seed itself. When this happens an enzyme is activated that helps bring the tiny plant out of hibernation and back into an active growing state. But, how can you tell if the seeds you have left over are still viable? No one wants to spend a lot of time and effort getting seed planted and watered only to find out weeks later that they were not viable!

The best technique I have found requires just a few common items from around the house; a plastic baggie, a paper towel and some water. Just use enough water to get the towel damp but not soggy. Place a few ‘test’ seeds onto the paper towel and then fold it over so the seeds are covered on both sides. I usually place ten test seeds on the towel. Next place the seed into a baggie and seal it. You can place your ‘germination chamber’ anywhere where the temps are warm but also where it will be out of direct sunlight. Then, just wait a few days, check every 24 hours to see if germination is occurring. Seeds like spinach, lettuce and radish will germinate very rapidly, say in a few days at most. Other seeds like tomatoes or pepper will take a week or longer. But, if they are viable you should see most if not all sprouting at some point. The number of seeds that germinate is important to consider. If you get less than 50% then you should think about buying some new seed packets. If it’s over 50% then you should be able to get decent crops from the balance of the packet. Now, following are some suggested storage times for common garden vegetables. It’s important to remember that some seed, for whatever reason, will not store well;

1-2 years – Corn, Onion, Parsley, Parsnips and Peppers

3-4 years – Asparagus, Beans, Peas, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Squash and Tomatoes

5-6 years – Cucumbers, Lettuce, Melons and Spinach

So, when you think you’re ready, get those packets out and start testing!