Section: Storage

In order to store all seeds for several months I use a “dead” fridge as an airtight cupboard and glass jars with a rubber gasket. After a year or so most seeds tend to start losing viability, so this storage is to span the gap between collecting and germination attempts. A paper packet does not restrict air and moisture and screw top plastic jars or zipper bags are not always airtight. Moisture is the core factor for deterioration and can cause the quickest decline so if needed I add silica gel of the type that changes colour as it absorbs moisture.

Some Fynbos seeds require a maturation period before they can germinate so they do need to be stored, sometimes for a number of years. A few months before attempting germination certain seeds benefit from a striation period of one to three months in a domestic fridge which is normally at 5 deg C., however I do not usually use this option as it is not a decisive aid for Proteaceae.