Watermelon seeds are small and can be black or brown. They are usually found in the middle of the fruit and are mostly thrown away, but if stored the right way they can be used for growing a crop.

Watermelon seeds are generally of three kinds: black, red and white, and each can differ somewhat.

• Black seeds: the most common and easily found type.
• Red seeds: red watermelon seeds are somewhat rare.
• White seeds: white seeds are usually immature.

Storage matters most if you want to use the seeds over a long period. Following the right method keeps the seeds' quality intact and keeps them usable.

• Control temperature and humidity: watermelon seeds need a dry, cool place, out of direct sunlight and below 20 degrees Celsius. To control humidity, keep them in an airtight container.
• For long-term storage, the seeds can be kept in a fridge, in a plastic zip-lock bag or airtight container, which keeps them good for a long time.

Some common mistakes during storage can spoil seed quality.

• Excess moisture: seeds that keep too much moisture are easily attacked by fungus, so they must be kept dry.
• Keeping them in the open: seeds left in the open can spoil quickly through changes in air humidity and temperature, so an airtight container is essential.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.