Can Dehydrated Seeds Germinate? The Answer may Surprise You

Last Updated on October 2, 2023

Are you thinking about dehydrating your own seeds? And wondering if they will still be viable once they are dried out? The good news is that, in most cases, yes – dehydrated seeds can germinate!

Gardeners who save their own seeds know that the process of drying and storing seeds properly is essential to maintaining a viable seed supply from year to year. But what is the best way to dry seeds, and how can you be sure that they will still be viable when it comes time to plant them?

There are a few things to do to ensure that the dehydrated seeds have the best chance of germination. In this post, we’ll share a few tips for dehydrating seeds for optimal germination and longevity.

What are Dehydrated Seeds, and Why Are They Useful?

Dehydrated seeds are called dormant seeds. A dried seed can remain alive for months or even years without germinating.

Soaking dehydrated seeds in water activates enzymes, promoting germination and embryonic development. While all seeds require water for their sprouting, some seeds are more delicate than others and can be easily damaged during drying. 

Dehydrated seeds are simply seeds that have been dried in order to extend their shelf life. As long as the seed has not been damaged during the drying process, it should germinate and grow just as well as a fresh seed.

They can be stored for long periods of time without fear of them going bad. This is especially useful for gardeners who want to save their own seeds from year to year, as it ensures that they will have a viable seed supply that they can use for future plantings.

Dehydrated seeds are also useful for those who wish to start their plants from seed but do not have the time or space to do so. By dehydrating the seeds, they can be stored until you are ready to plant them.

And, if you are going on a long camping trip or hiking excursion, dehydrated seeds can be a lightweight and easy-to-carry food source. Such as, when you’re out in the wilderness and need an emergency food supply, dehydrated seeds can provide you with the nutrients and energy you need to survive.

Dehydrated seeds are a great source of nutrients, including protein, fiber, and vitamins. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy snack option.

Like any other dried food, they will need to be rehydrated before eating. But, once rehydrated, they can be used in any recipe that calls for fresh seeds. They are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your dishes without having to use fresh ingredients.

Which Seeds can Usually be Dehydrated?

Most seeds can be dehydrated, including:

• Oil seeds (such as pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame)
• Beans (such as kidney, black, lentil, soy, and Coffee beans)
• Peas (such as chickpeas, green peas, and snow peas)
• Grains (such as quinoa, rice, barley, and oats)
• Nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and peanuts)
• Spices (such as coriander, cumin, and fennel)
• Fruits (such as raisins, apricots, and dates)
• Veggies (such as okra, tomatoes, peppers, celery, and onions)

Which Seeds Should Not be Dehydrated?

Some seeds are more delicate than others and can be easily damaged during the drying process. For example, flax seeds have high-fat content and are very susceptible to rancidity. As such, they should not be dehydrated.

Other delicate seeds include:

• Chia seeds
• Poppy seeds
• Sesame seeds
• Flax seeds
• Coriander seeds
• Fennel seeds

Some seeds, such as:

• Alfalfa
• Clover
• Fenugreek
• Mustard
• Carrot
• Turnip
• Radish
• Cress
• Lettuce
• Spinach

It will not germinate after being dried. These types of seeds are best used for sprouting instead of dehydrating.

When Should You Dehydrate Your Seeds?

The best time to dehydrate your seeds is after they have been harvested from the plant. Once the seeds have been removed from the plant, they need to be dried as quickly as possible to prevent them from germinating.

If the seeds are allowed to sit in humid conditions for too long, they will absorb moisture from the air and may start to grow. To avoid this, it is best to dehydrate the seeds within a day or two of harvesting them.

In case you are not able to dehydrate the seeds right away, you can store them in a cool, dry place. You just need to check on them periodically to ensure that they haven’t grown.

Seed Dehydration and Storage for Optimum Germination

The best ways to dehydrate seeds are those that allow for proper storage without damaging the seed. Dehydrating seeds can be done by air drying or using a dehydrator.

If you want your seeds to have the best chance of germination, you must first dry them out properly. While some seeds (like those of annual flowers) can be simply air-dried on a paper towel for a week or so, others (like tree seeds) need to go through a more involved process.

Air drying is the most common and easiest method of drying seeds. Seeds can be air dried on a screen, in a single layer, out of direct sunlight. The seeds should be turned occasionally to ensure even drying. Depending on the humidity and temperature, the process may take a few days to a week.

Using a dehydrator is a quicker method of drying seeds, but it is important not to overheat the seeds, as this can damage them. Here is a step-by-step guide for dehydrating seeds in a dehydrator.

Dehydrating Seeds Using a Dehydrator

What You Will Need:

• A quality dehydrator
• Your choice of good-quality seeds
• Silica gel or desiccant packets
• Seed drying screens or cheesecloth
• Labels and a permanent marker

Dehydration Instructions

Step 1: Choose the seeds you want to dry. Make sure they are ripe and ready to harvest. Start by cleaning your seeds as best you can. This will remove any debris or flesh that could rot and damage the seed inside.

Step 2: Spread the seeds out in a single layer on a seed-drying screen or cheesecloth.

Step 3: Place the seeds in a dehydrator set to 125-135 degrees Fahrenheit or in an oven set to its lowest temperature. The seeds should be checked every few hours and flipped if necessary.

Step 4: Dry the seeds until they are crisp and crumbly. This could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Step 5: Once the seeds are dry, store them in an airtight container with a silica gel or desiccant packet to absorb any moisture.

Step 6: The container should be labeled with the name of the seed, the date it was dried, and any other relevant information.

Storage

Store the seeds in an airtight container once they have dried. Mason jars or zip-top bags work well for this. It is important to label the container with the name of the seed and the date it was dried.

The shelf life of dehydrated seeds varies depending on the type of seed. Some seeds, such as sesame and sunflower seeds, can last for several months. Other seeds, such as quinoa and amaranth, have a shorter shelf life and should be used within a few weeks.

Seeds can be stored for several years if they are kept in a cool, dark place. Seeds should be stored below 68 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.

Properly dried and stored seeds can last for several years. But, it is important to check on them periodically to make sure that they have not started to grow. When seeds are improperly stored or past their expiration date, they are less viable and are less likely to germinate.

What are the Factors Affecting a Seed’s Germination Rate?

The germination rate of a seed is affected by a variety of factors, including

ABA Content

ABA is a plant hormone that helps regulate seed dormancy and germination. The ABA content of a seed can be increased or decreased by a number of different stressors, including light, temperature, and water availability. Seeds with higher ABA content are more likely to be dormant and have a lower germination rate.

Seed Size

Seed size can also affect the germination rate. Generally, larger seeds have a higher germination rate than smaller seeds. This is because larger seeds have more stored energy reserves, which gives them a better chance of surviving the germination process.

Storage Conditions

The storage conditions of a seed can also affect its germination rate. When seeds are stored in cool, dark, and moist conditions, they are more likely to be viable, and germination rates are higher.

The Age of the Seed

Older seeds are often less viable than younger ones and may have a lower germination rate. As a seed ages, it loses moisture, and the embryo inside the seed begins to break down. This makes it more difficult for the seed to germinate.

The Type of Seed

Some types of seeds are more difficult to germinate than others. For example, hard-coated seeds like bean seeds often have a lower germination rate than soft-coated seeds like tomato seeds. This is because it is more difficult for water to penetrate the hard seed coat and reach the embryo inside. Soaking the seeds in water overnight can help to improve the germination rate of these seeds.

The Quality of the Seed

Seeds that have been damaged or are otherwise of poor quality are less likely to germinate.

Whether or Not the Seed Has Been Pre-Treated

Seeds that have been treated with a chemical or other pre-treatment may have a higher germination rate than those that have not been treated.

Environmental Conditions

Seeds need the right combination of temperature, moisture, and light to germinate. If any of these factors are not ideal, it can affect the germination rate of the seed.

Other Stressors

Exposure to certain chemicals, such as fungicides or herbicides, can damage the seed and decrease its germination rate. Seeds that have been exposed to stressors such as heat, cold, or radiation are also more likely to be less viable and have a lower germination rate.

All of these factors can affect the germination rate of seeds, so it is important to be aware of them when you are planning to plant your garden. With these factors in mind, you can select the best seeds for your garden and increase your success rates.

With proper care, most seeds will remain viable for at least a year. However, there are some exceptions, such as mung bean and alfalfa sprouts, which only have a shelf life of a few days. When in doubt, it is always best to check with the seed supplier or manufacturer for specific storage and germination information.

How to Test if a Seed is Viable?

There are a few ways to test if a seed is still viable and will germinate.

One way is to place the seeds in a bowl or a tube of water and see if they sink or float. Viable seeds will sink, while non-viable seeds will float.

Another way to test for viability is to place the seeds on a moist paper towel, rolling them up so that the seeds are covered. Place the paper towel in a warm location and check it every day. After 3-5 days, you should see signs of germination, such as shoots or roots coming from the seed. If you do not see any signs of germination after 5 days, the seed is likely, not viable.

Finally, you can sow the seeds in a small pot of soil and water them regularly. Place the pot in a warm location and wait for signs of germination. This method may take longer than the others, but it will give you a good indication of whether or not the seed is still viable.

It is always best to plant seeds regardless of whether or not they are viable if you are unsure. Often, seeds that appear to be dead will germinate after all.

How to Plant Dehydrated Seeds For Proper Germination?

Dehydrated seeds can be planted in the same way as fresh seeds. No matter what type of seed you are planting, it is always a good idea to soak it in water for 24 hours before planting.

Soaking the seed helps to hydrate it and start the germination process. When the seed absorbs water, it begins to swell and mimics the conditions in moist soil when it is planted.

This will help to rehydrate the seed and promote proper germination. Be sure to keep an eye on the moisture levels, as dehydrated seeds will dry out quickly.

After soaking, the seeds should be drained and planted immediately. If you are not able to plant the seeds right away, you can store them in a moist environment until you are ready to plant.

But, it is important to make sure that the seeds do not dry out again before planting. It is important to handle dehydrated seeds carefully since they are more fragile than fresh ones.

It is important to note that not all dehydrated seeds will germinate. Some seeds, like mung beans and alfalfa sprouts, have short shelf lives and will not germinate once they have been dried. Other seeds, such as tomatoes and peppers, can be dried but may have a lower germination rate.

If you are unsure whether or not your dehydrated seeds will germinate, it is always best to plant them and see. Many times, seeds that seem dead will sprout after all.

FAQ’s

Words For Inspiration

Dehydrated seeds can actually be quite delicate and might not all germinate.  But, if you are up for the challenge, give it a try! You might be surprised by the results.

Don’t give up too easily. With a little bit of care and attention, you can be successful in germinating dehydrated seeds and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Thanks for reading this article on can dehydrated seeds germinate on their way to becoming beautiful plants. Hope this was helpful in your gardening journey!