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desiccation-intolerant seeds will continue to respire or breathe and will suffocate if sealed into air-tight containers. Store in the refrigerator. Do not let the seeds freeze or dry out. Plant them as soon as practical, or they will begin to mildew or rot because of their high moisture content.
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incidence of mutation rises. Seeds dried to a low moisture content with silica gel and then stored in a freezer can usually retain viability for many years. To use silica gels for drying seeds, place equal weights of dry silica gel and seeds to be dried in a well-sealed jar for 7 to 8 days. Then transfer the dried seeds quickly into airtight storage jars and place in a freezer, refrigerator or other cool, dark place. Carefully follow the instructions which come with your silica gels for drying them after use (to avoid burning them and rendering them useless). Silica gels suitable for drying seeds can be purchased from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, PO Box 460, Mineral, VA 23117.
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allow the entire container to come slowly to room temperature before opening the seal. This will help prevent condensation of atmospheric moisture onto the cold seeds which might otherwise occur.
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Insects
Another common problem with stored seeds is infestation by weevils or other insects. In fact, it is best to assume that some insects are present in any sample of seeds. Seeds kept in frozen storage are safe from insect damage, sincethough insects may survive the freezingthey will be rendered inactive while frozen by the low temperature. Even if your seeds will be stored frozen, however, it doesn't hurt to take precautionary measures against insects. Insect infestations may be guarded against by the addition of a little diatomaceous earth (D.E.available at organic gardening stores) to the stored seeds in their jars. Add just enough D.E. to cover the surfaces of the seeds (add a few pinches to the seeds in a bowl and gently stir to thoroughly cover each seed). Adding D.E. to jars of stored seeds helps insure the long-term safety of your seed stocks and is an inexpensive, safe, non-toxic and wise precaution.