Storing seeds – so they can be kept separated

It’s that time of year.  Collecting seed pods and trying to get them to dry a bit  so they do not mold and keep them separated from other crosses.  What do other breeders use?

I have used a box with dividers.  Okay to go out and collect the pods but once the seeds dry and roll around they are a pain to get out of the box.

I have used egg cartons.  They work but area a pain to get the loose seeds out without upsetting the whole carton.

I have used separate egg carton cups.  (Cut out each individual egg cup) and insert them into a whole egg carton.  Kind of a pain but works better than the above option.

My favorite is pill containers.  The Multiple cell ones.  My favorite holds a months worth of pills or 24 separate crosses.  The problem is I only have one and could use many more.  Picked mine up at Value Village.

 

4 comments for “Storing seeds – so they can be kept separated

  1. Bill,

    I us a simple method.  I collect the seeds in a standard envelope where I write the cross on the front and the year. The paper envelope allows them to breath.  But I only keep them there a couple of weeks then I plant them.

    I used pill containers with holes drilled in them and they still succumbed to mold.

     

    Clay

  2. I see many mentions of moldy seeds. I have encountered that often in the past and have just planted the moldy seeds. They seem to have germinated fine.

  3. Bill, I use #1 size coin envelopes (2 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ or 5.7 x 8.9cm) which are available in most office supply stores. They are made from 28 lb. Kraft paper as are many of the larger mailing envelopes. They have a gummed flap. I write the cross number and parentage right on the envelope.

    Steve

  4. Bob,

    I have the opposite experience.  Moldy seeds do not germinate for me.

     

    Clay

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