Do You Freeze Your Seeds?

[samthedog]

Hello:

I'm new to this forum... did a lot of work in college with seeds. Generally, high oil seeds break down quicker than seeds comprised of carbohydrates. With Seed Corn and most field crop seeds the rule of thumb is that the relative humidity + the storage temp of the seed should = less then 100 to maximize storage life. Freezing Dry Seed (8-10%) is the best way to maintain germ for long periods of time. Under good storage conditions, seed viability after 3-5 years (and up to 10 years) is easily possible.

 

[MontyJ]

Hello:

I'm new to this forum... did a lot of work in college with seeds. Generally, high oil seeds break down quicker than seeds comprised of carbohydrates. With Seed Corn and most field crop seeds the rule of thumb is that the relative humidity + the storage temp of the seed should = less then 100 to maximize storage life. Freezing Dry Seed (8-10%) is the best way to maintain germ for long periods of time. Under good storage conditions, seed viability after 3-5 years (and up to 10 years) is easily possible.

Now that is an interesting piece of information. I just test germinated 9 seeds of bodacious corn seed that is 3 years old. I got 9 for 9 germinated. Frankly, I was surprised any of it germinated because I am of the "stick the seeds in a box and set them in the barn" group.

 

[897tgigvib]

True seed banks do dry their stored seed to that low and appropriate moisture percentage and then bring them to the best freezing or near frozen temperature appropriate for the species for long term storage. Then they do germination tests every few years. They also do new growouts every few years to replenish the seed stock.

Dehydrating the seeds to the correct percentage moisture is vital. Too dry and the embryo dies from lack of moisture. Too moist and the following freezing treatment can cause the cells to burst.

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Myself, I simply feel that the entire process of correct freezing has too many risks, for I do not feel experienced or learned enough to do it.

But I do know that, done right, freezing is the way to properly store seeds for long term.

I do not know how to test moisture percentages. My small propane refrigerator's freezer compartment could not hold all of my seeds even if tightly packed.

 

[journey11]

I wonder what kind of equipment would be necessary to arrive at an actual number for the moisture content for the seeds? Probably expensive, either way. I searched through a few sites and only found recommendations for a visual inspection (like I said before, I just "know"). This site even suggested smashing them with a hammer and observing the result. They also stated what you have told us, Samthedog...

Dont ever allow the sum of temperature plus relative humidity where seed is kept to exceed 100.

Many household electronic weather stations will give you the humidity of the room or get a hygrometer. Indoor air might be what, around 50% relative humidity give or take? Mine here would often be less, since we heat with wood...it is very dry heat. My sinuses testify to that. Room temp might be 76 degrees...that doesn't leave you much play in your humidity to make it to 100.

I don't worry about the seeds being too moist and being damaged by freezing, Marshall. I've not had any trouble with that. They always sprout. From what I've read, too dry will be more of a problem because the seed won't be able to absorb moisture when it needs to at planting time. Some of the sites I looked at suggested using a dehydrator to prepare them, but I prefer to let mine sit on a paper plate in the kitchen to slowly dry for 2 to 4 weeks or so. Poke, poke, shake, shake...yep...they look good and dry to me!

Btw, to you, Samthedog. Thanks for your input!

ETA: I freeze mine at 10 degrees below zero, also.

 

[897tgigvib]

Yes! Welcome to the forum SamTheDog!



I think you'll be a great one for good information!

 

[OldGuy43]

From experience hanging around grain elevators when I was younger I knew that getting a rough idea as to what the moisture content of seed wasn't that difficult. I remembered watching them stick a probe into the seed, mostly corn to get a number. That got me to wondering how much those gizmos cost. The answer is $200 and up. Probably more than the average gardener would want to spend.

 

[desertlady]

I prefer dark dry spots for my seeds. Ive had some seeds thats over 40 years old and still sprouting ! I tried once freezing it, but I think it had too much moister and it sprout well.

 

[897tgigvib]

Dark and dry, and somewhat cool seems more important than freezing to me, and does work. New school about it is probably better, but so far difficult to achieve.

Now, when they have a 39 dollar "mr. seed" dehydrator available at wal mart, and a fail safe rechargeable battery operated plug in HED operated programmable seed freezing storage unit for seeds available for 110 dollars with a 50 year guarantee also there, then that will happen everywhere.

Still waiting on Heat Emitting Diodes...

 

[samthedog]

10 % moisture is not hard to do under normal, midwest fall conditions. Often things can get too dry, then seeds develop stress cracks and embryo damage due to impact damage.

I would think those guys in moister areas may be able to drop a couple points of H20 by putting breathable seed packets in a mason jar with a silica gel desiccant.

All things considered, the moisture + temp rule < 100 works really well for keeping seed alive.




Thanks for the welcome. I'll stop by from time to time.

smf