If Seeds Freeze

[garryricketson]

I looked at the FAQ, and also searched, but did not find anything, The question is: Does it harm tobacco seed if it freezes, for a short period of time ? Like for example, in a area with cold weather, and one has their seeds in the garage, and it gets down below freezing, several days, no heat in the garage, would that destroy the seeds ?, or another scenario, some seed being shipped, and in route, it freezes while in a trailer or something ? Any one know ?

 

[Aaron]

No, it really shouldn't hurt them if the moisture content is low enough. They should be just fine. I tend to worry a bit when there is an unknown variable, in this case that would be the moisture content. Since I live in an extremely dry area and I let them hang for a good while before cleaning I don't really expect you to have any problems.

 

[DGBAMA]

If the seed is mature and dry, a freeze will not hurt it; as Aaron said. Sometimes long term storage is even done by putting seed in freezers. The only danger is if the moisture content of the seed is too high at the time it is frozen.

 

[JessicaNicot]

a garage doesn't sound like the best of storage conditions, unless you have your seeds in some sort of moisture proof container. while the temperature fluctuations aren't desirable, they can be tolerated over the short term but there will likely be impacts on your germination rate/viability when storing over the span of multiple years.

 

[Planter]

What would be a good storage place (outside the possibilities of a lab)?

 

[Knucklehead]

This is one of many ways. I like it. http://fairtradetobacco.com/threads/2689-Knuckleheads-Seed-Vault-Seed-Storage

Once the RH in the container reaches 10% for awhile, the MC of your seed will be 5-8%. At this time, you can put the box in the refrigerator or freezer. Seed in the container in ambient temps will be good for a minimum of ten years, freezing will extend this time by quite a bit.