Approximately, 90% of the flowering plants on earth have evolved seeds that can withstand drying. In nature this enables seeds to remain alive, sometimes for many years, until conditions are favourable for germination and plant growth. Seed conservationists merely exploit this natural trait and by carefully drying and then freezing seeds we can keep them alive for many years.

The science and technology of seed banking was first worked out for crop species which are generally easy to store and easy to germinate. Although the seeds of wild plants are more difficult, Kew has been successfully storing them for future generations for nearly 40 years and the Millennium Seed Bank is the world’s foremost facility for their long-term conservation. Kew has achieved this because of its investment in seed science and technology.

We can now better predict how long seeds of different species will survive in the seed bank and we have unlocked some of the dormancy mechanisms that protect seeds from germinating at the wrong time in nature. This is vital so that we can germinate seeds and turn them into healthy plants when they are needed in the future.

In this lecture, Dr Robin Probert will explain the science and technology of seed banking and demonstrate how you can replicate this in your own homes to save seeds of your favourite plants.