Top 20 Survival Seeds for UK Preppers

In an age of rising food costs, supply chain instability, and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, more people across the UK are turning to prepping as a way to safeguard their food future. One of the most essential components of any resilient, long-term survival plan is a reliable stash of seeds. Not just any seeds—open-pollinated or heirloom varieties that you can save and replant year after year. Unlike tinned goods or freeze-dried meals, seeds offer ongoing food production, making them a cornerstone of food independence and true self-sufficiency.

Whether you're growing on an allotment, in a garden, or even a patio grow bag setup, survival seeds are your insurance policy. With a little effort, you can turn a small space into a productive, sustainable source of calories, nutrients, and even trade goods.

• 1. Potato (grown from seed potatoes) – High calorie, reliable crop.
  Grows in 10–20 weeks.
  ~77 cal/100g.
  Stores up to 6 months.
  
  
• 2. Carrots – Vitamin A-rich, cold storage potential.
  Grows in 12–16 weeks.
  ~41 cal/100g.
  Stores several months.
  
  
• 3. Cabbage – Versatile and nutrient-dense.
  Grows in 10–16 weeks.
  ~25 cal/100g.
  Stores 3–4 months.
  
  
• 4. Onions – Essential for flavour, long shelf life.
  Grows in 20–26 weeks.
  ~40 cal/100g.
  Stores 3–8 months.
  
  
• 5. Garlic – Medicinal and pest deterrent.
  Grows in 7–9 months.
  ~149 cal/100g.
  Stores 6–12 months.
  
  
• 6. Runner Beans – Protein-rich and easy to save.
  Grows in 12–14 weeks.
  ~30 cal/100g fresh.
  Dried lasts 5 years.
  
  
• 7. Peas – Early crop, nitrogen fixer.
  Grows in 10–14 weeks.
  ~81 cal/100g.
  Dried stores for years.
  
  
• 8. Kale – Hardy and vitamin-rich.
  Grows in 8–10 weeks.
  ~49 cal/100g.
  Freezes well.
  
  
• 9. Spinach – Quick crop, iron-rich.
  Grows in 6–8 weeks.
  ~23 cal/100g.
  Freezes or dries well.
  
  
• 10. Beetroot – Dual-purpose, stores well.
  Grows in 8–12 weeks.
  ~43 cal/100g.
  Stores 3–5 months.
  
  
• 11. Parsnips – High-calorie, overwinter crop.
  Grows in 16–20 weeks.
  ~75 cal/100g.
  Stores in clamps.
  
  
• 12. Turnips – Fast-growing, dual-use.
  Grows in 6–10 weeks.
  ~28 cal/100g.
  Stores a few months.
  
  
• 13. Courgettes – Fast and prolific.
  Grows in 6–8 weeks.
  ~17 cal/100g.
  Preserve by freezing.
  
  
• 14. Tomatoes (determinate) – Great for preserving.
  Grows in 10–14 weeks.
  ~18 cal/100g.
  Dry or can for storage.
  
  
• 15. Winter Squash – High in calories, long keeper.
  Grows in 14–20 weeks.
  ~45 cal/100g.
  Stores 4–8 months.
  
  
• 16. Sweetcorn – Carbohydrate-rich.
  Grows in 12–16 weeks.
  ~86 cal/100g.
  Dried kernels store for years.
  
  
• 17. Leeks – Winter hardy and flavourful.
  Grows in 25–30 weeks.
  ~61 cal/100g.
  Stores 1–3 months.
  
  
• 18. Chard – Cut-and-come-again.
  Grows in 8–10 weeks.
  ~19 cal/100g.
  Freezes well.
  
  
• 19. Herbs (Parsley, Thyme, Mint) – Medicinal and pollinator-friendly.
  Grows in 6–12 weeks.
  Dried herbs last over a year.
  
  
• 20. Sunflowers – Edible seeds and oil.
  Grows in 12–16 weeks.
  ~584 cal/100g.
  Dried seeds store over a year.

Bonus: Seed Storage Tips for Long-Term Security

• Airtight Containers: Use glass jars with seals or vacuum-sealed bags to keep moisture out.
  
  
• Mylar Bags + Oxygen Absorbers: Great for multi-year storage by eliminating oxygen and moisture.
  
  
• Cool, Dark, Dry: Store seeds in stable conditions away from light and humidity.
  
  
• Label Clearly: Note variety and year to rotate stock effectively.
  
  
• Use Heirloom/Open-Pollinated Seeds: These can be saved and replanted each season—essential for self-sufficiency.
  
  
• Trusted UK Sources: Buy from reputable UK suppliers like Growseed who focus on open-pollinated, non-GMO varieties tailored for UK growers.

Grow Food, Grow Resilience

Investing in survival seeds isn’t just about emergency planning—it’s about building a resilient and self-sufficient lifestyle. Whether you’re facing uncertain times or simply want to eat well from your own garden, the seeds you sow today can feed you for seasons to come.

With the right knowledge and storage, a survival seed stash can be your lifeline and legacy. Start small, grow smart—and secure your food future now.