eddy wrote:

wondering if the seeds are packed in a vaccum ?
or special conditions ?
so if you open the pack air and moisture gets in

The moisture isn't instantly fatal, it just speeds the degradation of the
seed which is, after all, a living embryo. Not at all like a spore that
can live virtually forever.

I keep mine in a Rubbermaid (US Brand) storage tray. It's just the right
size for three rows of the usual seed packets, with two corrugated
cardboard dividers stuck in with hot-melt glue. There's a pint jar of
silica gel standing in there, fine mesh tied over the mouth in case it gets
knocked over. Some of the crystals have the blue indicator dye in them, so
when they turn pink, I bake in a 200F oven for a few hours to dry, cover
tightly, and put back in the seed bin when cool.
I don't have any scientific data, but onion and leek seed, usually
considered short-lived germinate fine after 4 years in this storage. The
bins aren't refrigerated, but live in an "empty nest" bedroom that's cooler
than the rest of the house.


Gary Woods AKA K2AHC- PGP key on request, or at www.albany.net/~gwoods
Zone 5/6 in upstate New York, 1200' elevation. NY WO G