Refrigerate Seeds?
Question:Do ALL seed species have to be stored in the refrigerator once they are collected? I have some annuals I collected this week, do I have to put them in the refrigerator after I let them dry out or can I just put them in a baggie until next spring?
Answers:
Most seeds will benefit from being refrigerated, not frozen. Although, there are some seeds that actually do better (germination rate is higher) if they are frozen.
As a general rule of thumb, I refrigerate all of my veggie seeds and they continue to be viable year after year, finally losing their vitality after four or five seasons.
Annuals collected and dried well will also do well refrigerated. I had a head of sunflower seeds that lasted three years sealed in a bag in the vegetable departments at the bottom of the fridge.
If you store your seeds in plastic bags, make sure that you store them in a dark, dry place until next season. If they get too hot, they will not germinate well.
It depends entirely on whether or not the seed type is reactive to cold. Some have to be refrigerated (or even frozen) in order to activate. Some don't.
Get yourself a good garded "how to" book (my favorite is still either the Burpee seed starter guide, or The Victory Garden.
the seeds don't have to be refrigerated, but it does help keep them fresh and ready to germinate for next season...however, i have kept hollyhock seeds from year to year without refrigeration and they do just fine.
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