Can you store seeds in Mylar bags, how do you store seeds long term using Mylar bags, and how long do seeds last in Mylar bags? If you’ve ever wondered how to protect seeds from time, moisture, and air slowly breaking them down, you’re not alone.

Seeds can be stored in Mylar bags by drying them completely, adding a desiccant and small oxygen absorber, sealing the bag airtight, and keeping it in a cool, dark place like a refrigerator. When stored properly, seeds in Mylar bags can last anywhere from 5 to 15+ years depending on the seed type and conditions.

Seeds are incredible little engines of nature and life … but they can also be fragile. If you expose your seeds to heat, oxygen, humidity or light… you lose some of that potential, so storing seeds in Mylar bags is one of the very best options for preserving them for months, years or even decades.

So how do you store seeds properly? How long do Mylar bags last? What is the correct way to store seeds in Mylar bags? Below you will find the answers to all these questions to avoid destroying your stash.

Short Answer

You can store seeds in Mylar bags for long-term preservation by sealing them with a desiccant and oxygen absorber and keeping them in a cool, dark, dry place. When done correctly, seeds can remain viable for 5 to 15+ years depending on the type of seed and storage conditions.

Can You Store Seeds In Mylar Bags?

Yes! You can store seeds super effectively in Mylar. Mylar bags are high barrier materials that protect seeds from:

• Oxygen (slowing down seed aging)
• Water (preventing mold and pre-sprouting)
• Light (protecting seed integrity)
• Odors and contaminants

When combined, these factors create an optimal environment for maximum seed storage longevity. Mylar comes out on top when you consider that seeds properly packaged in Mylar will remain viable for much longer than those stored in paper envelopes or plastic containers.

Why Mylar Bags Work So Well For Storing Seeds

A seed can be thought of as a suspended biological engine, and the goal of seed storage is to keep the engine in "sleeping mode" without damaging it.

Mylar bags help preserve the viability of seeds by regulating and mitigating exposure to the four major threats to seed longevity:

• Air (i.e. oxygen) → promotes oxidation and aging of seeds
• Moisture → encourages mold or germination
• Heat → accelerates degradation
• Light → damages the internal structures of seeds

In essence, Mylar bags provide a protective shell around your seeds… and they essentially freeze the aging process of your seeds, without the capability of actual freezing. Here is the method you should follow when preparing long-term storage for your seed in "Mylar®" bags:

How To Store Seed in Mylar Bags

If you do this wrong, you can ruin your seeds. If you do it right, they’ll last years longer than expected.

Best places to keep seeds:

• Pantry/closet (short term)
• Refrigerator (long term)
• Freezer (only sealed properly)

Best environment for seed storage:

• Temperature range 35°F to 50°F
• Low humidity environment
• No exposure to light.

How Long do Seeds Last in Mylar Bags?

Seeds stored in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers and kept in a cool, dark, and dry environment such as a refrigerator or freezer can remain viable for 5 to 15+ years, depending on the seed type and storage conditions.

Mylar bags are made from food-safe layers designed to protect contents from moisture and air. If you want a deeper breakdown of materials and safety, check out Are Mylar Bags Food Safe?

Common Mistakes for Seed Storage:

Even with the best materials, poor technique will result in ruined seed.

The following should always be avoided when sealing seed:

- Sealing with moisture present in seed
- Using oversized oxygen absorbers
- Not using a desiccant
- Opening seed bags frequently
- Storing seed in hot environments (e.g. garages or attics).

A small error can drastically reduce seed viability over time - the error may go unnoticed until you attempt to plant your seed.

The proper sealing and limiting of air exposure is crucial to achieve maximum results, so if you have any doubts about whether or not Mylar bags function as advertised, take a look at our article on Are Mylar Bags Airtight?, which provides an overview of their long-term protection of seeds.

Are Mylar Bags Better than Other Methods for Seed Storage?

Compared to these alternatives:

Paper envelopes - breathe-able; only for short term.
Plastic bags - slow air/moisture transfer.
Glass jars - good; however not lightproof; or flexible.

Many people believe that Mylar bags, which are excellent for seed preservation, can be just as good as vacuum sealing. If you are unsure what to choose between the two, visit Are Mylar Bags Better Than Vacuum Bags? for a complete evaluation.

Mylar will outperform alternatives because it can provide:

- Barrier protection
- Flexibility
- Long-term dependability

Given the characteristics of mylar, it is the most comparable, "pause" method which can preserve the life of seeds as long as no specialized equipment is used.

Why Seed Brands Choose Customized Mylar Packaging

Seeds companies opt for customized Mylar packaging since it shields their product as well as representing their brand. The Mylar bags have a strong barrier against humidity, oxygen, and light, prolonging seed viability and improving the product's performance for end users.

Additionally, custom printing provides brands with the ability to differentiate themselves from competitors while also creating product identity with customers. Using customized Mylar packaging is a straightforward way to increase shelf life and present and market your product to customers.

Final Thoughts on Regarding Mylar Bags

Seeds can be properly packaged and sealed inside Mylar bags with an oxygen absorber and desiccant. Proper packaging will preserve the viability of the seeds for 5 to 15+ years, depending on the seed type and the conditions under which they are stored. Proper packaging involves storing seeds in a cool, dark, dry location and using appropriate desiccants. Proper storage will allow you to plant the seeds at a later date.

If you want to preserve seeds for any length of time, you will want to store them in mylar bags.

Mylar bags are not just a way to store seeds; they will also help preserve the future of each seed. When mylar bags seal the seeds properly, and the seeds are dry, oxygen control is present, and stored at lower temperatures, the seeds can be viable longer than you normally would expect.

If you have seeds that you have purchased for gardens, prepping for food, or bulk purchases of grains, you will have beat the odds against a bad outcome by preparing now for the future.

FAQ 

Can I store seeds in mylar bags?

Yes, mylar bags are one of the best methods for storing seeds because they will provide barrier protection from oxygen, moisture, and light, which will help preserve seed viability long-term. 

How do I store seeds long-term in mylar bags?

To store seeds in Mylar bags, first make sure the seeds are completely dry, then place them in the bag with a small desiccant pack and a low-capacity oxygen absorber. Remove excess air, heat seal the bag tightly, and store it in a cool, dark, dry place like a refrigerator for long-term preservation.

How long can I expect my seeds to stay viable in mylar bags?

The length of time seeds can stay viable in mylar bags varies from 5-15+ years, depending on the storage conditions used. Refrigeration will dramatically increase the length of time your seeds will remain viable.