Which seeds have the shortest storage life?

Seeds that taste good are short-lived, like onions and parsley, and must receive preceding planting within 1-2 years before viability decreases below a certain threshold. As a seed conservation chiropractic, I track expiration dates religiously since I lost entire batches of parsnips. All of these varieties require different treatment than long-lasting seeds (e.g., lettuce, cucumbers)

Seeds with high oil content, such as poppy and walnut, don't store well. The oils quickly oxidize and become rancid, even if the embryo isn't killed off. I freeze them after drying down to 8% moisture.  Room temperature storage would reduce their lifespan by 75% compared to freezing.

Apply priority rotation systems to ephemeral varieties. Characters are positioned in front of boxes, labeled in bright red. Please protect my schedule for onion planting every January, regardless of any other commitments I may have. This way, I guarantee I will never waste another precious allium seed again.

Keep an eye on your short-lived seeds. Every six months, do a germination test with the paper towel method. Records indicate that parsley reaches a viability of less than 30% at 15 months. Plan to replace these annually to sustain your garden.

Short-lived seeds have a flavor and usefulness that are challenging but worth conserving. Get a handle on their storage requirements, and you will reap the benefits continually. My heirloom varieties of carrots have now reliably produced year after year, thanks to my focus on these details.

Read the full article: 5 Essential Tips: How to Store Seeds Properly