Saving and Reviving Moldy Seeds: Proven Steps to Increase your Chance of Success
Saving seeds is a great way to save money and have access to the same variety of plants year after year. However, if not properly dried and stored, mold can form on the outside of the seed and make it difficult or impossible to germinate. If you find yourself in this situation, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of successful germination.
The first step is to remove any moisture from the seeds by spreading them out in a dry room for two weeks or more. This will stop the mold from growing further. Additionally, consider storing the seeds in a paper envelope instead of plastic bags, as any moisture can cause mold to form when stored in plastic.
If you're still concerned about mold growth, try soaking the seeds in a solution of Oxy Clean laundry detergent (1 tablespoon per cup of water) for 45 minutes before drying them again. Alternatively, use bleach or UV light if available and appropriate for your particular situation.
Finally, test the worst-looking seed in the bag to see if it will germinate. If so, don't worry about it - just put them in a new bag and store until next season.
Overall, moldy seeds can be saved with proper care and attention. By taking steps such as removing moisture and using cleaning solutions or UV light, you may be able to salvage your crop without having to order new seeds.Just remember to always test a few of the worst-looking seeds before planting them in your garden. Good luck!
How do I save squash seeds?
Dry the seeds for at least two weeks before storing them in a paper envelope.
Is there a solution I can spray on my squash seeds to increase germination chance?
Yes, you can soak the seeds in a solution of Oxy Clean laundry detergent (1 tablespoon to a cup of water) for 45 minutes, then gently scrubbing & rinsing.
What should I do if there are bits of mold on the outside of my squash seeds?
Take them out of the plastic bag and store them in a paper envelope after leaving them in a dry room for awhile longer. You can also make a mold killing treatment with bleach or Oxy before planting the seeds next season.
Are there any other methods to prevent mold from forming on my squash seeds?
Store your seeds with a desiccant packet to drive down moisture, and consider using UV light if available and appropriate to your situation.
Is it too late to save my squash seeds?
Test the worst-looking seed in the bag. If it germinates, don't worry about it. Put them in a new bag - maybe a paper envelope - and dry them more so the mold is stopped.