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Just a regular bag of seeds I would get from walmart or something. They should be good for how long?
Yes, seeds can remain viable for a very long time if they remain completely dehydrated and shielded from light. There are very few places on earth where that is possible. The seeds you buy at the store in paper packages begin to lose their viability after the first year unless they are refrigerated or completely dried and sealed from light.I'm not saying bullhonkey but looks here
http://www.kamut.com/userfiles/1964_06_07 - Great Falls Tribune - King Tut Wheat Article.pdf
This real life research says 4000 years
Please see my post:I did a lot of research before starting to save seeds about 7 years ago. The best book I found is Seed to Seed which states "Lightweight plastic bags are not moisture proof and make poor storage containers. However, seeds can be put into Self Seal T-Bags|, Seal-A-Meal| bags, Zip Lock bags, small drawstring bags or paper envelopes, before being stored inside of a large, airtight jar."
According to research done by the National Seed Storage in Fort Collins, Colorado it is moisture, not oxygen, that may cause seeds to "die". I put my seeds in a small envelope, then "foodsaver" a bunch of those and then put them in a large jar with a desiccant pack. The seeds I used from 5 years ago germinated this spring with only 2% loss. I think that is about par for germination using same season seeds but I can't find my notes for that.
The Fort Collins folks have found that cold (either refrigerating or freezing) makes no difference for seed storage as far as seeds stored for twenty years. Should you have a small leak in your packaging the humidity in a fridge or freezer will do more damage.
I buy all sorts of seeds and save them - I also collected seed last year from the herbs I grew and this year will be another bunch from peppers and tomatoes.
What about putting seeds in ziplock bags, inside an ammo can, should dark and airtight? Maybe throw in a couple Silica packets for moisture?Yes, seeds can remain viable for a very long time if they remain completely dehydrated and shielded from light. There are very few places on earth where that is possible. The seeds you buy at the store in paper packages begin to lose their viability after the first year unless they are refrigerated or completely dried and sealed from light.