Orange-to-Green Color Indicating Loose Silica Gel Beads, 1 lb : Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Saving the Past for the Future

$14.75

Silica gel can be used to dry seeds for long-term storage or to dry flowers. In most climates, seeds can be air-dried in a covered, well-ventilated space; however, in moist climates, it may be necessary to use additional drying methods such as curing seeds in a dehumidified space or drying seeds with silica gel. When used as directed, silica gel dries seed from typical 12% moisture content to a desired 3-5% moisture content. Note: Legumes should not be dried below a 6% moisture content. To dry seed, place equal weights seed and silica gel together in an airtight jar for seven days. A muslin bag or other cloth can be used to keep seed and gel separate. Silica gel can be used many times and re-dried in the oven. We carry 2-5mm color-indicating silica gel beads that contain phenolphthalein as a moisture indicator at 100 ppm. The gel is orange when completely dry and changes to dark green as it absorbs moisture. We have been alerted that most blue-to-pink indicating silica gels contain cobalt chloride, which might pose a risk of cancer; the primary concern is with dust inhalation. Silica gel can have a drying effect on skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, so caution is recommended. We intend to drop silica gel when our current supply runs out, possibly in 2018.

Instruction sheet is included. To see the instruction sheet, follow this link: Drying Seed with Color Indicating Silica Gel

To see the Material Safety Data Sheet, download this PDF >>

Item # 85113C

Seed-Saving Supplies

For information on how to save seeds, see the Seed-Saving section of our Growing Guides page, and also our Links page. See our About us pages information on how and why we support seed-savers.