How To Store Cannabis Seeds The Right Way

Preserving cannabis seeds under ideal conditions enables you to maintain your preferred cannabis genetics for an extended period. Creating the right environment allows you to keep most of your cannabis seed assortment viable for over a decade.

However, improper storage conditions can negatively impact germination rates for your highly-valued feminized and autoflowering seeds. As a cannabis seed aficionado who invests time, money, and passion in curating a collection of exceptional cannabis genetics, you must familiarize yourself with the ideal long-term storage practices for your marijuana seeds.

Did You Know Cannabis Seeds Are Living Organisms?

Cannabis seeds are remarkable little organisms that play a crucial role in the spread and cultivation of the plant. They are essentially babies, with an embryo inside capable of germinating and eventually growing into a full-fledged plant.

Even though marijuana seeds are often thought of as inanimate objects, they possess many living attributes; as such, they must be stored properly to ensure optimal health and viability.

Storing weed seeds differs from storing other seeds because it requires careful consideration of temperature, humidity, and light exposure. Too much or too little of these optimal conditions will drastically reduce the likelihood of successful germination.

More: What Do Cannabis Seeds Look Like?

Key Factors To Watch When Storing Cannabis Seeds

In preserving marijuana seeds, three primary factors can negatively impact your seeds' germination rates (or the 'viability'), specifically light, heat, and humidity. These elements can diminish the germination success of your autoflowering and feminized seeds.

On the other hand, if you can effectively regulate and minimize heat, light, and humidity, you will prolong the lifespan of your cannabis seed assortment.

Light Exposure

Understanding the role of light exposure in maintaining cannabis seed viability is pivotal in ensuring cannabis growth. The delicate genetic codes within the seeds make minimizing light exposure during storage essential.

• Cannabis seeds have delicate embryonic tissues that harbor essential genetic codes.
• Prolonged light exposure can disrupt and destroy these genetic codes, severely impacting the seed's viability.
• Ideally, stored marijuana seeds should be kept away from exposed light sources.
• Although the seed's shell or husk does offer some protection against light, it's not foolproof.
• Mimicking the seed's natural environment, typically dark crevices in the soil, provides optimal conditions for long-term storage.

Farmers increase the chances of a successful harvest by effectively controlling light exposure during storage.

Humidity level

Properly managing humidity is a significant aspect of successful cannabis seed storage. It's a bit of a balancing act, as seeds retain their viability best at low humidity levels but require a moist environment when it's time to germinate cannabis seeds.

• Cannabis seeds thrive in low humidity, ideally between 5-10% relative humidity, for long-term storage.
• Excess moisture can cause the tough shell of the cannabis seed to soften and the tap root to emerge prematurely.
• Condensation droplets on the seeds can deteriorate their ability to survive for extended periods in storage.
• When attempting to germinate, the seeds require a moist, humid environment, necessitating an adjustment in storage conditions.
• Seeds stored in high humidity can fall prey to destructive molds or fungi.

Effective moisture control is crucial in preserving cannabis seeds, and this can be achieved through proper packaging techniques like airtight containers and desiccant packets.

Temperature Fluctuations

Regulating temperature is paramount to the successful long-term storage of cannabis seeds. Low temperatures help prolong the viability of the seed's delicate biological tissue by slowing down cellular biochemistry. Additionally, the stability of temperature and humidity plays a crucial role in preventing the onset of mold, which can drastically reduce germination rates. Here are the key points to consider:

• Lower temperatures slow down all cellular biochemistry, extending the life of the plant tissue within the seed.
• Storing cannabis seeds at colder temperatures can further increase their longevity. However, drastic temperature fluctuations, which can damage sensitive tissues and affect germination rates, should be avoided.
• Humidity also plays a vital role in seed preservation. Dry climates or large swings from dry to humid conditions can create condensation, leading to moldy spots on the seed shells and lower germination rates.
• The recommended storage temperature ranges from 5°C - 10°C (41°F - 50°F), with an ideal average relative humidity level around 50%.

Maintaining these environmental conditions allows cannabis seeds to stay viable for years, maintaining their gene quality and germination rates with minimal loss.

So What Are The Best Ways To Store Your Cannabis Seeds?

It is important to store your weed seeds correctly to ensure they have the best possible chance of germinating.

The ideal temperature for storing seeds is typically around 4ºC, but this can be achieved by simply storing them in a fridge or in places not exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat.

Keeping the seeds securely sealed in an air-tight, light-proof container will also help preserve their integrity and longevity while stored.

When it comes to storing cannabis seeds, you don’t necessarily have to have a fridge at all times if that isn't convenient for you - if stored properly in a dry and dark place like a drawer, even after several years of storage, the germination rates should remain good.

Regardless of where you store your seeds, you must avoid high temperatures or intense light sources, such as those usually in grow rooms.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that your cannabis plants get off to the best start possible when they are ready to be planted.

How Long Can You Preserve Cannabis Seeds?

Cannabis seeds can be stored for long periods in the right environment. When kept in the freezer, cannabis seeds have remained viable for decades. In the refrigerator, seeds will likely remain viable with a 50% or higher germination rate for at least five years. Without refrigeration, however, germination rates may decline sooner and more rapidly.

For those who plan on planting their cannabis seeds within a few weeks or months after purchase, refrigeration is not necessary; most seed suppliers provide high-grade cannabis seeds with 90% or greater germination rates that can withstand short-term storage perfect conditions such as room temperature.

Even after five years in the fridge, you should expect your cannabis seeds to maintain high levels of viability and successfully germinate upon planting. With proper regarding and protective measures, you can ensure lasting freshness and dependable seed production over time.

Drying, Storing, And Maturing Seeds From Plants

Embarking on the journey of producing cannabis seeds from your plants necessitates a thorough understanding of the maturing and storage process. Here are some important points to keep in mind to ensure the successful germination of these quality seeds:

• Allow the seeds to dry slightly from their fresh state before initiating growth.
• Mature the seeds in ambient conditions for about one to two months. This process indicates that the seeds are ready for the next step.
• The maturation process may potentially refine the genetic variance of the parent plant used in seed production.
• The storage medium for these seeds can vary - from glass jars to mylar bags. Regardless of the size, what matters is the effectiveness of the seal in preserving freshness.
• Be vigilant of insects and other pests during storage. Using airtight packaging is crucial for pest prevention.

Ensure that the chosen container provides adequate breathability while preserving its protective environment, making healthy cannabis seeds ready for germination.

What If You Found An Old, Undated Bag of Seeds?

Finding an old and updated bag of cannabis seeds can be tricky. Collecting seeds is usually an interesting pastime for commercial growers as they attempt to find the most sought-after genetics to add to their collection. But when it comes to storing those seeds, a few steps must be taken.

The first and most important thing is to keep them in dark, dry conditions at low temperatures. This will ensure that the germination rates remain high and your seeds remain viable longer.

Dating each seed packet is also a helpful tool, so you'll know how old the seeds are when you come across them. Most experienced growers try to store their collected cannabis seeds at temperatures around 4ºC (39ºF). You'll likely see some germination success if stored this way for up to 10 years.

How Do I Know If My Seeds Are Properly Stored?

The proper storage of cannabis seeds is essential to the growing process. If stored properly, they can last for several years and sprout healthy plants when ready.

To determine if your seeds are well-stored, place them in a water bowl. If the seeds sink to the bottom, they will likely not be stored optimally.

However, if they float before sinking, you can take it as a sign that they've been stored properly.