Saving and Storing Your Own Seed

Saving seed can work well for open-pollinated varieties and many grains and pulses.

Select

Choose seed from the best, healthiest plants, and from mature, fully filled heads or pods. Avoid seed from diseased plants.

Clean and dry

Thresh gently, remove chaff and broken seed, and dry to a safe moisture (often 8–12% depending on crop) before storage.

Store

Use clean, dry, insect-proof containers (airtight tins, sealed bags), in a cool, dark, dry place. Label with crop, variety and date. Protect from weevils with clean practice and checks.

Test germination

Count 100 seeds on damp cloth; after the expected days, the share that sprouts guides your sowing rate.

Limits

Hybrid seed does not breed true, so buy fresh seed each season. Replace saved seed every few years to avoid disease build-up.