Poppy seeds are small seeds that can be eaten. They come from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). They taste sweet and nutty, and in many cuisines they are used to top breads, pastries, and desserts. Poppy seeds are useful for more than just cooking. They are also great for gardeners. They can be saved until the next growing season and used to make new plants from old flower heads. Poppy seeds need to be stored correctly to keep their viability and germination rate. Here’s how to keep your poppy seeds fresh for as long as possible.
Harvesting Poppy Seeds
To start, pick ripe poppy seed pods from your garden in late summer or early fall. Look for pods that are completely dry and brittle. When you shake them, the pods should rattle, which means the seeds are ready. Cut the pods off the plants with pruners and put them in paper bags. Bring the bags inside and place the pods on trays in a single layer. Let them dry even more for one to two weeks in a warm, well-ventilated room. While being careful, pick out the seeds from the chaff once the pods are cracked open and the seeds are free. Throw away any soft or greenish seeds that aren’t ripe yet.
Choosing the Right Storage Container
When storing poppy seeds, keeping air and moisture out is the most important thing. Glass, metal, or food-safe plastic containers that don’t let air in are the best. Clear glass jars let you see what’s inside and see if there’s any extra water. Opaque metal tins block light to prevent degradation of nutrients. Plastic containers should be BPA-free to avoid chemical contamination. Make sure the container you buy is big enough to hold your seeds plus some extra space on top. Wash and thoroughly dry the storage container before use.
Sealing and Storing for Maximum Longevity
Dry the seeds some more on paper towels for three to four days before putting them in the container. Then fill the container 3/4 full and seal tightly. For plastic containers, press out excess air before sealing. Put the seeds in zip-top freezer bags and then put the bags in the container. This will protect the seeds even more. Label the container with the seed variety and year harvested.
Store the container in a cool, dark place like a cabinet or pantry. Refrigerating the seeds will extend their shelf life even longer. Avoid warm spots like near appliances as heat causes the oils in seeds to turn rancid. Keep seeds away from direct light which degrades nutrients. With proper storage conditions, poppy seeds will remain viable for planting for 1-2 years. For long term storage of 3 years or more, put the container in the freezer.
What to Avoid When Storing Poppy Seeds
Certain environmental factors and storage methods can ruin viability and cut the shelf life of seeds. Avoid the following:
- Exposure to moisture and humidity which encourages mold growth
- Warm temperatures above 70°F that hasten deterioration
- Direct sunlight that destroys nutrients and causes bleaching
- Air exposure that oxidizes oils in seeds
- Inappropriate containers like cloth bags that allow moisture in
- Lack of labels so seeds cannot be identified
By taking measures to exclude excess moisture, air, light and heat, you can keep your harvested poppy seeds in prime condition for 1-2 years. Properly stored poppy seeds will retain their ability to readily germinate into beautiful flowers for you to enjoy in next season’s garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do poppy seeds last?
With optimal storage conditions, poppy seeds will remain viable for 1-2 years at room temperature. They can last 3 years or longer frozen.
What is the best way to seal poppy seeds for storage?
The best sealing methods involve airtight glass, plastic or metal containers, pressing out air, and using zip-top freezer bags. Proper sealing prevents moisture and air from entering.
Is it necessary to refrigerate stored poppy seeds?
Refrigeration is not required but will extend shelf life. Stored in a dark pantry or cabinet at room temperature, poppy seeds will last 6-12 months before viability declines.
Can you freeze poppy seeds for storage?
Yes, freezing poppy seeds enables long term storage of 3 years or longer. Place seeds in airtight freezer bags or containers before freezing.
What causes poppy seeds to go bad in storage?
Moisture, warm temperatures, air exposure and light cause poppy seeds to go rancid. Check stored seeds yearly and discard any with mold, bad odor, or other signs of spoilage.
Following proper harvesting, drying, sealing and storage methods will maintain poppy seeds’ freshness and germination ability. With the right storage conditions, you can save seeds from season to season for planting and get new poppy flowers each year.
How to Collect Poppy Seeds
Identifying when to harvest the seeds is only part of the equation. You also need to know how to collect poppy seeds to prevent the diminutive seeds from spreading themselves. You can watch the plants like a hawk and collect them just before they split, or when the pods are rattling and dry the pod until it cracks on a rack with a tray under it, or in nylon hose hung up in a dry, warm location. Alternatively, you can allow the pods to dry on the plant and bag them individually with cheese cloth or old nylon stockings. Harvesting poppy seeds in this manner ensures that the seed has reached maturity. If you are saving poppy seeds from harvested dried pods, there may be some variability in germination, as some seed may not have had time to mature.
When to Harvest Poppy Seeds
Who among us hasnt had a wonderful lemon or almond poppy seed muffin? The delicate seeds impart a rich flavor and gentle crunch that adds unique dimension to baked goods. Poppies have a bad reputation as part of the opium trade, but for gardeners, they are simply lovely papery blooms in brilliant colors. These easy-to-grow plants are also simple to propagate from seed. Poppies generally flower in late spring to early summer. They thrive in full sun in rich, well-drained soil. Once the delicate petals begin to drop, the ovary develops into the plants fruit, a chubby seed pod. This pod contains hundreds of tiny black seeds, which are edible in some species. Pods are green when young and yielding. When weather is dry near the end of the growing season, pods begin to turn brown and develop a hard carapace. This will eventually crack open, releasing the small seed. You must wait until pods are fully dry for a poppy seed harvest. Harvesting poppy seeds too early may affect their viability and ability to germinate. You can tell when pods are ripe by shaking the stem. If the pod rattles, it is a good indicator it is time to harvest. Usually this is 80 to 90 days after planting.