How to Store Cannabis Seeds [FULLY EXPLAINED]

Properly storing your cannabis seeds is necessary to preserve the genetics of your favorite strains for future use. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting out, proper storage techniques can make all the difference in ensuring the viability and potency of your cannabis seeds. So, grab your favorite strain, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the world of cannabis seed storage!

Let’s review some methods of storing your cannabis seeds and go over how to keep them healthy to make sure your seeds produce the highest quality buds and give you the highest yield in your crops.

 

Why Worry About Storing Cannabis Seeds

Proper cannabis seed storage is crucial for several reasons. Storing your seeds ensures that they maintain their viability and germination rate, which is essential for successful plant growth. If seeds are exposed to moisture, heat, or light, their ability to germinate and produce healthy plants can be affected.

By storing your cannabis seeds properly, you’ll have a better chance of germination when you decide to plant your seeds, and you will also better preserve the plant’s genetics, helping to make sure you yield well and have the most potent and flavorful bud. Taking that little extra effort to properly store your seeds will make sure you or whoever ends up cultivating the seeds have a successful grow.

Do Cannabis Seeds Go Bad Or Expire?

Cannabis seeds will go bad while reducing the quality of your strain if they are not stored properly.

Cannabis seeds can technically last several years when stored properly, but their germination rate and overall health can deteriorate. Exposure to moisture, heat, light and other environmental factors can speed up the degradation process, reducing the viability and genetic stability of the seeds. Additionally, the potency and overall health of the seeds can also decrease over time, leading to reduced yields and potentially lower-quality plants.

How Long Do Cannabis Seeds Last If Stored Properly?

If you store your seeds away from light and in the fridge, you can expect them to last for about 2-5 years. Their germination rate and overall health can deteriorate after about a year. We recommend growing your seeds within 1-2 years for the best results. There’s only so much you can do to properly your seeds, so some level of deterioration is bound to happen no matter what.

How Quickly Can Cannabis Seeds Go Bad When Not Stored Right?

Cannabis seeds can go bad relatively quickly with improper storage. Exposure to moisture, heat, light and other environmental factors can rapidly reduce the overall health of the seeds. These environmental factors can cause the seeds to lose their ability to germinate, produce unhealthy plants, and have reduced yields. Improper storage can also increase the degradation rate, causing the seeds to go bad in a few months or possibly weeks.

 

What Affects The Life Of Cannabis Seeds?

The life of cannabis seeds is primarily affected by storage environment factors such as moisture, heat, light, and temperature fluctuations.

Seeds stored exposed to these elements can degrade rapidly, reducing their viability and genetic stability.High temperatures and humidity levels can also increase the risk of mold and other pathogens that can harm the seeds.Light exposure can also disrupt the seed’s natural growth cycle, affecting the overall health of the plants.

 

How To Store Cannabis Seeds

Storing cannabis seeds using light and humidity control is the best method for preserving their quality. By controlling the level of light and humidity the seeds are exposed to, it’s possible to slow down the aging process and maintain their potency and genetic stability.

The proper storage methods for maintaining healthy cannabis seeds are determined by the glass or plastic containers used, exposure to lighting, and temperature and humidity fluctuations.

What Should The Lighting Be Like For Stored Cannabis Seeds?

For stored cannabis seeds, it is best to maintain a completely dark place. Light exposure can disrupt the seed’s natural growth cycle and affect the overall health of the plants. The seeds should be kept in a location free from light or in a dark container that prevents light from reaching the seeds.

A light-proof container will ensure the seeds will last longer if storing them in a dark cupboard or room is impossible.

What Temperature Should Cannabis Seeds Be Stored?

The ideal storage temperature for cannabis seeds is between 32-41°F (0-5°C). This low-temperature range helps prevent the seeds from overheating. Storing the seeds in consistently low temperatures will also help maintain their quality and extend their life.

Extreme temperature fluctuations, warm daytime temperatures, or prolonged exposure to heat can cause the seeds to degrade and lose their viability. When avoiding temperature fluctuations while storing your seeds, it is important to store them in a location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or other heat sources. Suppose the temperature in the storage area fluctuates frequently. In that case, it may be necessary to use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and a temperature-controlled storage unit to maintain consistent low temperatures.

What Are Humidity Levels Best For Cannabis Storage?

The best humidity level to store cannabis seeds is 10-15%. This low humidity level helps prevent moisture buildup. High humidity levels can also increase the risk of mold and other pathogens that can harm the seeds. To maintain the optimal humidity level, you can use a hygrometer to monitor the moisture content of the storage container. If the humidity level is too high, you can add a desiccant or silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture. If the humidity level is too low, add a humidifier or moisten a piece of cloth and place it inside the container to increase the humidity. Proper humidity control is important for preserving the quality of the seeds and ensuring they are ready for planting when needed.

Do Cannabis Seeds Need To Be Stored Air Tight Containers?

For the best results, store your seeds in an airtight container. The most important factor is keeping it away from heat and light, however moisture is another factor that can degrade the seeds, and an airtight container will protect your seed from that. When you get your seeds from us, we provide an airtight container as well as a light proof bag to help keep away the light.

What Should I Store Cannabis Seeds In? [Containers]

The best way to store cannabis seeds is to use airtight containers such as a plastic container or a mason jar. Different long-term or short-term storage methods are recommended depending on how long you decide to store your seeds.

For short-term cannabis seed storage (up to several months), you can use airtight containers made of plastic or a glass jar. Examples include:

• A food-grade plastic airtight container.
• A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
• Vacuum-sealed bags.

These containers are inexpensive and readily available, making them a convenient option for short-term or medium-term storage of cannabis seeds.

For long-term cannabis seed storage (over several months), using an airtight container made of metal or glass is best. Metal containers, such as stainless steel or aluminum, are durable and provide excellent protection from light and temperature fluctuations. Glass containers are also a good option, as they are airtight and opaque, protecting from light. Long-term storage containers should be large enough to hold the number of seeds you want to store and should be equipped with a tight-fitting lid that seals securely to prevent air and moisture from entering.

 

Are There Any Other Strategies To Prolong Cannabis Seed Life?

Aside from the common strategies mentioned above, there are also some unconventional methods for prolonging the life of cannabis seeds. Some of these methods include:

• Freezing the seeds in food-grade containers: Freezing them in food-grade containers can help maintain their potency and extend their life span.
• Using a desiccant: A desiccant, such as activated charcoal or silica gel, can help absorb moisture and reduce the risk of mold growth.
• Keeping the seeds in a controlled environment: Keeping the seeds in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse or grow room, can provide a stable environment for the seeds to thrive.
• Using seed banks: Using seed banks can also be an unconventional method for prolonging the life of cannabis seeds. Seed banks store seeds in a controlled environment, ensuring that the seeds are preserved and protected for long-term storage.
• While these unconventional methods for storing cannabis seeds may not be as commonly used as traditional methods, they can still be effective in preserving the life and quality of the seeds. However, it’s important to research and considers each method’s risks and benefits before trying them.

 

What Can Happen If You Try To Grow An Old Or Expired Seed?

Using old seeds or expired cannabis seeds to grow a plant can lead to several problems, which can result in poor germination rates, stunted growth, or weak plants.

The plants that do grow from expired seeds may also produce lower yields and have a reduced potency compared to plants grown from fresh, high-quality seeds. Additionally, expired seeds are more likely to contain pathogens or other contaminants that can harm the plants and reduce the quality of the harvested product.

Using old and expired seeds is generally not recommended, as it can result in a disappointing growing experience and lower-quality plants. Using fresh, high-quality seeds is important to ensure the plants grow strong and produce a high-quality product.

How Do You Know If A Cannabis Seed Is Good Or Bad?

Here are a few ways to determine if a cannabis seed is good or bad:

• Appearance: Good seeds should be firm, dark, and have a smooth surface on the outer shell. Poor-quality seeds may appear wrinkled, lighter in color, or have cracks or blemishes on their surface.
• Float Test: Fill a bowl with room temperature water and place the seeds. Good seeds will sink to the bottom, while bad seeds will float. The seeds that float are often hollow and will not germinate.
• Germination Test: Plant a small number of seeds in the soil and keep them moist. Good seeds will germinate within a few days, while bad seeds will not sprout or grow very slowly.
• Genetics: Good cannabis seeds should come from reputable seed banks and be grown from well-established, high-quality strains.

When you buy from us, you can rest assured with our seed germination guarantee! If any of your seeds don’t pop, feel free to reach out and we’ll make sure to sort out your issue.

 

Final Thoughts – How To Store Cannabis Seeds

Well, there you have it, storing cannabis seeds is pretty straightforward. The key is to keep your seeds cool, dry, and away from light. By doing this, you can ensure that your seeds stay fresh and potent for years to come. The best way to store cannabis seeds is by keeping seeds in airtight containers, at low temperature and humidity levels, in a dark, cool place, and away from direct light, you can significantly preserve cannabis seeds’ life and ensure that they remain fresh and ready to use.

While there are various methods for storing cannabis seeds, choosing the one that works best for you and your specific long-term or short-term needs is important. Whether you use a traditional approach like a freezer or an unconventional strategy like vacuum sealing, taking the time to properly store your seeds will help ensure a successful growing experience and produce top shelf flower.

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