Storing seeds

Storing seeds

Clean gathered seed promptly, especially if it is to be stored for some time before sowing. Old seed cases and capsules sometimes retain moisture and if seed pods start to rot ft can spoil the seeds.

Most dry seed is fairly easy to clean. Storing geranium seed, for example, will usually separate itself from any remaining husk spontaneously, but if not it is easy to clean off with a fingernail.

If you have collected fine seed in capsules using a paper bag, spread out the contents of the bag on a sheet of plain paper to remove any detritus. Fold the paper down the center before you start then open out flat again - this will help when after storing decanting seeds into envelopes. Pick out any dry cases by hand or blow gently over the seed to remove lighter particles.

Storing seeds in envelopes, write clearly the name of the variety and the date of collection and cleaning on the front; it is worthwhile recording these on the label you eventually use when sowing the seed, too.

Recycle envelopes after storing seeds and old paper bags to store your seed, and never keep them in plastic bags, where they would sweat. Small cardboard boxes arc efficient for large seedheads -
shoe boxes are perfect - but don't close the lid until the seed is properly dry.

Storing seeds of packets in a cardboard box or an airtight tin or hang them up in bags in a cool,
dry place out of direct sunlight.

Uneven temperature when storaging seeds is one of the main reasons seed fails to germinate
when planted out. At first sight, the greenhouse might seem ideal, dry and airy, but temperatures in glass structures fluctuate hugely, and the atmosphere may be humid from time to time. A definite no-no.

Storing seeds and garden tips