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Freezing seeds for longer storage?

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  • Freezing seeds for longer storage?

    What prompted me to ask this, was when I read on here that someone had put his seeds in the freezer.
    So, can we? does it actually prolong the storage life? or would the Fridge be sufficient?
    Is it only possible with certain seeds, and could there be problems in germination if not suitably defrosted prior to planting?
    Girls are like flowers, a little attention every day and they`ll blossom.

  • #2
    Certainly didn't help my dates to germinate..................
    My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
    to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)

    Diversify & prosper


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    • #3
      The thinking behind this is that some plant species won't germinate until after winter, so if you freeze them for a short while the seed is then stimulated to germinate once it has been defrosted. Clearly this is not going to work with half hardy plants that are not native to cold climates. Personally I have never tried this, and I've had very few problems with germination (although lettuces can be tricky and maybe I should give them a try in the freezer). I've also heard that you can get strawberry plants to flower at a specific time by freezing the runners before planting them. Again I have not tried this myself.
      A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP. - Leonard Nimoy

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      • #4
        Freezing seeds can ensure that their storage life is extended. I often freeze packs of bean seeds and their germination rates don't diminish as fast if left in a cupboard. I freeze in freezer bags and place in a tupperware box, when I need them I defrost inside the tupperware box before opening the lid.

        If you have trouble with bugs/weevils it worth freezing as it will kill off any eggs etc,
        Last edited by Scarlet; 19-12-2016, 10:28 PM.

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        • #5
          Here's a link worth a read :
          Seed Saving and Storage

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          • #6
            Originally posted by Scarlet View Post
            Freezing seeds can ensure that their storage life is extended. I often freeze packs of bean seeds and their germination rates don't diminish as fast if left in a cupboard. I freeze in freezer bags and place in a tupperware box, when I need them I defrost inside the tupperware box before opening the lid.
            Surely bean seeds tend to last for years when just kept in a dry cool tin in my front room, grew some this year that were a good ten years past their use by date. Think all but one germinated and grew well.

            Some of us live in the past, always talking about back then. Some of us live in the future, always planning what we are going to do. And, then there are those, who neither look behind or ahead, but just enjoy the moment of right now.

            Which one are you and is it how you want to be?

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            • #7
              Originally posted by Alison View Post
              Surely bean seeds tend to last for years when just kept in a dry cool tin in my front room, grew some this year that were a good ten years past their use by date. Think all but one germinated and grew well.
              Perhaps it depends on your house Alison? I live in a very old house that comes hand in hand with damp etc. I keep my seed in boxes in a cupboard but if I know I won't grow that variety that season
              I'll pop some in the freezer for guaranteed success.

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              • #8
                Originally posted by Scarlet View Post
                Perhaps it depends on your house Alison? I live in a very old house that comes hand in hand with damp etc. I keep my seed in boxes in a cupboard but if I know I won't grow that variety that season
                I'll pop some in the freezer for guaranteed success.
                That makes sense . Mind you, the state of our freezer I'd never find them again - not exactly the mist organised part of the house

                Some of us live in the past, always talking about back then. Some of us live in the future, always planning what we are going to do. And, then there are those, who neither look behind or ahead, but just enjoy the moment of right now.

                Which one are you and is it how you want to be?

                Comment

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