At Native Seed Victoria (NSV), we know that successful restoration projects start with high-quality seed — not just in terms of species, but in how that seed is prepared. Every batch we handle undergoes a detailed, hands-on process that ensures it's clean, viable, traceable, and ready for sowing when you need it.
Here’s how we make that happen.
Step 1: Careful Handling from the Field
It all starts in the bush. Our experienced collection teams work across eastern Victoria and southeastern NSW, harvesting seed at peak maturity. Seed is gathered in breathable bags and clearly labelled with species name, location, date, and collection method. This ensures full traceability and supports provenance-specific restoration outcomes.
Once collected, seed is transported as quickly as possible for extraction and processing under cool, dry conditions to protect its viability from the start.
Step 2: Drying and Stabilisation
Back at our depot, all incoming seed is dried to safe moisture levels before processing. This is critical — too much moisture can encourage mould and reduce shelf life. We use ambient drying for most species, with airflow and shade control to prevent overheating.
Step 3: Mechanical and Manual Seed Cleaning
Cleaning is where the real transformation happens. Raw seed material can contain pods, husks, insects, soil, sticks — and sometimes, weed seeds. We use a combination of techniques to separate seed from debris and improve purity.
Our tools include:
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Winnowers: to separate lighter chaff from heavier seed.
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Sieves and screens: for grading by size and shape.
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Airflow separators: to isolate seed by density.
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Hand cleaning: for small batches or delicate species.
This work requires expertise. Some species clean easily, others can take days to clean to an acceptable standard.Â
Step 4: Quality Control and Storage
Once cleaned, seed is packaged in moisture-resistant, pest-proof containers and placed into cool, dry storage. Temperatures are monitored, and seed is stored off the ground and away from light — key to preserving viability.
Each batch is labelled with full collection data, cleaning notes, and storage date. For longer-term holding, we rotate stock and regularly test seed for viability using cut tests, germination trials, or third-party lab services.
Why It Matters
Clean, properly stored seed doesn’t just look better — it performs better. It flows evenly through seeding equipment, reduces the risk of weed contamination, and improves establishment in the field. For you, that means greater success and fewer surprises.
From field to fridge, NSV handles seed with the care it deserves — so you can plant with confidence.