China cold storage solution provider
Seed cold storage is designed to maintain the viability, germination rate, and genetic purity of various seeds over long periods.
For international seed banks, agricultural research institutes, and seed suppliers, temperature and humidity control are the most critical factors affecting long-term preservation.
Below is an easy-to-follow guide to the recommended storage conditions for long-term, medium-term, and short-term seed preservation.
1. Long-Term Seed Storage (Shelf Life: 30–50 Years or More)
Long-term seed storage is mainly used by national seed banks and research institutions for long-term genetic resource preservation.
Recommended storage conditions:
- Temperature: –10°C to –20°C
(International standard: –18°C or lower) - Relative Humidity: ≤60%
- Seed Moisture Content: 5% ± 1%
- Packaging: Airtight containers such as metal cans, aluminum foil bags, laminated barrier bags, or sealed glass bottles.
Under these controlled conditions, seeds can maintain high viability for 30–50 years, and in some cases even longer.
2. Medium-Term Seed Storage (Shelf Life: 15–30 Years)
Medium-term storages are used for working seed collections that require regular access and renewal.
Recommended storage conditions:
- Temperature: 0°C to 10°C
- Relative Humidity: ≤60%
- Seed Moisture Content: 6–9%
- Packaging: Same as long-term storage airtight containers.
These conditions help extend seed life to 15–30 years, depending on species and moisture content.
3. Short-Term Seed Storage (Shelf Life: 2–5 Years)
Short-term storage focuses on commercial or production seeds with shorter turnover cycles.
Recommended storage conditions:
- Temperature: 15°C to 20°C
- Relative Humidity: 50–60%
- Seed Moisture Content: ≤12%
- Packaging: Paper bags, plastic bags, cloth bags, or glass bottles.
Seeds preserved under these common storage conditions can maintain good viability for 2–5 years.
Why Seed Companies Choose Cold Storage
Compared with traditional ambient storage, a well-built cold room helps:
- Maintain stable germination rates
- Reduce seed deterioration and mold
- Extend the preservation cycle
- Lower annual seed replacement costs
This is why more overseas seed suppliers, research institutes, and distributors are choosing professional seed cold rooms to improve quality assurance.
Investment & ROI Example
A client in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand built a 1,200 m³ seed cold storage for long- and medium-term seed preservation, using an air-cooled condensing unit and polyurethane insulation panels.
- Investment: Around USD 68,000
- Storage Capacity: ~200 tons of various vegetable and grain seeds
- Energy Consumption: Approximately 28–40 kWh per ton per day
- Payback Period: Within 2 years, mainly due to reduced spoilage, stable quality, and lower seed replacement frequency