How to Store Seeds and Test Germination Rates

Care and How-To

Proper storage conditions for seeds are essential to maintain viability and good germination at planting time. You can test the germination rate of your seeds to be sure they are viable and worth the time to sow and grow.  More information about storing seeds, testing seed germination rates, and the expected viability of common vegetables can be found below.


Storing Testing Germination Rate  |  Expected Viability  |  More Information


Storing Seeds

Seeds should be kept dry and cool.  A sealed glass jar can keep excess moisture out and protect seeds from pests like mice or insects. Store jars in a cool, dry location such as a cool closet, root cellar, or refrigerator. Test the germination rate on the seeds about one month before planting.

storing seed in an air tight container
Store leftover seeds in air-tight containers in a cool location like a root cellar or refrigerator.

If you collect the seed from your garden, ensuring the seed is dry after cleaning and processing is the most important step to successfully storing seed. Place seed in labeled envelopes. In a separate envelope, place an equal amount of silica gel. Place both envelopes into a clean glass jar and seal shut. After one to two weeks, the seed should be sufficiently dry for storage. Remove the silica gel and return the envelope to the glass jar. Some seeds may dry sufficiently by utilizing a fan in a seed drying cabinet. Avoid using a food dehydrator to dry seeds as they usually get too warm and damage the seed.

Test Germination Rates of Seed

Seed left in storage will decrease in quality over time. Just looking at the seed will often indicate seed quality. Seeds that are usually smooth, round, or plump will germinate poorly if pocked or wrinkled. Peas, corn, and other seeds are normally wrinkled but may not look as good as they should.

If the seed does not look fresh or is more than one year old, it is beneficial to test the germination rate.  If germination rates are low, you will benefit from sowing more seed to ensure that enough seedlings germinate and grow to have the number of plants you need for your garden.  When germination rates are exceptionally low, discarding the old seed and buying fresh seed packaged for that growing season is often more productive.

To run a germination test:

  1. Count out at least 20 randomly picked seeds (50 is better, 100 is best).
  2. Spread the seeds on several layers of premoistened paper toweling and roll them up in the paper so the seeds stay separated from one another.
  3. Place the roll into a plastic bag and keep it in a warm place (70° to 80° F). Remember to label each roll with seed type.
  4. Check the seeds in two or three days and every day after that for a week or so.
    • When a root or cotyledon protrudes through the seed coat, the seed has germinated.
  5. When some seeds have sprouted, and a one-week wait indicates that no more are about to emerge, you can calculate your germination rate.
  6. Divide the number of seeds germinated by the number of seeds tested to determine your germination percentage.

germinated seeds
When viable seeds germinate, you will see a small young root emerge.  Photo by Belinda Brain

A germination rate of 90% or more is very good for most species.  Some species may have lower germination rates, but because the seed is small and/or abundant, a rate of 70% to 80% is perfectly acceptable.  Other species may naturally have lower germination rates.  Seed is often sold with a germination rate at the time of packaging indicated on the package.  If the germination rate is still relatively close to the original rate, it is worth sowing.  For nearly all species, a germination rate of 50% or lower is too low to be worth using, and the seed can be discarded and replaced with newer seed.

If handled very carefully, germinated seeds from the germination test may be planted in the garden (if the planting time is right) or in cell packs and peat pots for further growth. If the root or shoot is damaged in the transplanting process, the plant will not survive.

Seed Viability

How the seed was stored will play a major role in its viability.  When stored well, some seeds will remain viable (and have good germination rates) for longer periods of time than others.  

Below is a guide to give you an idea of how long you can expect certain vegetable seeds to remain viable when stored under optimal conditions.  This guide does not replace a germination test.  It can help you determine if the seed is too old to even spend the time doing one.  For seeds much older than what is outlined below, discard the seeds and buy new ones rather than spending time performing a germination test.

Length of Time Vegetable Seeds Can be Expected to Remain Viable if Stored Properly

Seed Type Years*
Asparagus 3
Beans 3
Beets 4
Broccoli 5
Cabbage 5
Carrots 3
Cauliflower 5
Corn 2
Cucumber 5
Lettuce 5
Muskmelon 5
Onions 1
Peas 3
Peppers 2
Pumpkins 4
Radishes 5
Spinach 5
Squash 4
Tomatoes 4
Watermelon 4

* The number of years listed assumes ideal storage conditions.  The germination rate will still decrease each year, but when within this time range will still be at an acceptable level.


More Information

Authors: 

Aaron Steil Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist

Aaron Steil is the consumer horticulture extension specialist at Iowa State University where he works with county Extension offices across the state to answer home gardening questions for all Iowans.  This includes information related to trees, shrubs, vegetables, fruits, herbs, perennials, ...

Last Reviewed: 
December, 2023