Despite the outer shell being brown and pretty hard, cannabis seeds aren’t invincible. In nature, there are different temperatures, humidity, etc., so you need to protect these magic beans. Keep reading to learn how to properly store cannabis seeds for a long time.
Do you know Cannabis Seeds are living things?
We want to emphasize this because most people forget that every plant seed is alive and is in a hibernating phase before germination (you may say so). And every living thing may die, so storing them correctly gives you optimal conditions that are safe for long periods under you sow them.
Refer- How to Check for the Potency of Cannabis Plants?
Key factors to Consider when Storing Cannabis Seeds
When storing cannabis seeds, three main issues may hamper seed germination in every type of cannabis seed, including hybrid, Photoperiod, Autoflowering, and feminized seeds. They are light, humidity, and heat.
Once you master the right way to handle these things, you will be able to extend cannabis seed shelf life.
1. Light Exposure
Cannabis seeds contain genetic components that, when they germinate, develop into stunning plants. What strain it will be and how its traits will manifest are determined by its genetic code. Keep cannabis seeds in cool, dark, and out of direct sunlight when being stored. That does not, however, imply that you keep it in your grow area.
Buy an airtight, light-proof container because the outer shell does not protect the seed from light. It is why whenever a seed falls in autumn or winter it germinates. Cannabis seeds are the same, they can’t take up intense light levels.
Read- Why Proper Lighting is Crucial for Cannabis?
Is it okay to store cannabis in the fridge?
Ideally, yes! The good thing is you can store cannabis seeds in the freezer in an airtight zip-lock bag. The low temperature usually helps in long shelf life. However, it is not that you have to freeze cannabis seeds, if you store them properly in a cool, dry place, it can stay good for up to 5 years and will not have any bad effect on its germination rate.
2. Humidity Level
Humidity level is an important factor in cannabis seed storage. The best way of seed germination is light moisture and humid conditions. If there are moisture or water drops in the bags, the seed will get a command to germinate. It is like a clock ticking, and you just gave it the right buzz. So, reducing humidity levels and no moisture zone will help keep it intact.
The inside water content of cannabis seed is around 10%. That is why refrigerating cannabis seeds is the easiest way to reduce humidity levels and increase seed viability. Just check that it’s properly sealed, or else water may deteriorate the seed.
Mature seeds with a firm black outer shell should always be stored. If you have ever grown cannabis seeds, you are aware that seeds harvested early are too fresh to germinate, green, and have a weak outer layer.
Furthermore, ripe seeds have a low moisture content, which makes them ideal for storing for several months at room temperature.
Humidity Levels and Effects on Cannabis Seeds
| Humidity Level (RH) | Effect on Seeds | Duration |
| Below 30% | Slowed germination rate | Can significantly delay germination or prevent it altogether |
| 30% – 40% | Ideal for long-term storage | Up to several years |
| 30% – 40% | Optimal for germination | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Above 75% | Increased risk of mold and fungal growth | Can damage seeds within days |
3. Temperature Fluctuations
Both ways are good, but the best way is to maintain low temperatures. Preserving cannabis seeds in low temperatures is better as the living plant tissue survives for a long in cool, and steady temperatures. It is why food lasts longer in the fridge.
What is the Best Temperature for Cannabis Seed Storage?
Mostly, growers think that 4 Degrees Celsius is the ideal measure for storing cannabis seeds in a refrigerator, and it is a magic number for seed preservation.
Best Containers to Store Cannabis and Keep It Fresh
Well, there is no such thing as perfect containers for storing cannabis seeds but a tight container safeguards seed integrity and maximizes germination success. Here, are the ideal characteristics of containers for long-term cannabis seed storage:
- Airtight Seal: Get airtight containers. Moisture fluctuation degrades seed health. A good seal prevents moisture by stabilizing the internal environment and minimizing the risk of mold or fungal growth. Glass vials or jars with secure lids are excellent choices.
- Light Protection: Exposure to light can degrade seed quality and negatively impact germination rates. So, get transparent containers with little light-blocking foil and keep seeds in it.
- Desiccant Integration (Optional): While not strictly necessary, incorporating a desiccant packet within the container can further optimize moisture control, particularly in environments prone to high humidity. Silica gel packets are commonly used desiccants; however, their efficacy diminishes over time, and they require periodic replacement to ensure continued effectiveness.
Also Read- Choosing the Right Container for Growing Cannabis: Maximizing Quality and Yield
Where and How to Store Cannabis Seeds at Home?
Storing cannabis seeds is easy. How? Check this:
- For short-term storage: Keep it in a drawer: Maintain it inside a cool and dry drawer or a cupboard. It is good to keep the seeds in their original packaging without opening it if you are storing them for longer.
- Any cool, dark, and dry place: You can store seeds in an airtight bag anywhere there’s consistent temperature and no excessive moisture or humidity.
- For long-term storage: How to store it in the right container? It is recommended to store the seed in silica gel in an airtight container in the fridge. Also, it’s best to store it in a crisper drawer that you don’t open frequently to avoid temperature fluctuations, which can have a significant impact on seed quality. It’s even better if you have a small refrigerator just for storage.
- Dry Refrigerators: It is recommended to keep cannabis seeds in an airtight container because humidity and moisture are the most destructive for seeds (worse than temperature, oxygen, and light). So, no frost fridge works better for storage purposes.
What is the Shelf life of Cured Cannabis?
The shelf life of a cured cannabis seed is about six months to a year depending upon many variables like humidity, temperature, oxygen, light, and maturity.
Read- How Long Does it Take to Grow Cannabis?
How long can we Store Cannabis Seeds?
Properly dried and stored cannabis seeds can remain viable for several years, with some reports suggesting they could last up to a decade under ideal conditions.
However, seed viability gradually declines over time, and the specific storage duration depends on factors as stated above.
How Do You Know if Cannabis Has Gone Bad?
The ideal method is to sow the seed and let it germinate. If it’s bad, it won’t germinate, which means it’s time to go to the store. So, here’s how to germinate them.
How to Germinate Old cannabis seeds?
Got some seeds that you forget lying in your drawer for a long period, don’t worry! It is easy to germinate old cannabis seeds, do the needful:
- Pre-soak in warm water: Soaking seeds in warm water (20-25°C) for a few hours can help soften the seed coat and encourage germination. Usually, gardeners prefer soaking in nutrient-rich carbonated water but can be unnecessary and potentially introduce harmful bacteria. Plain water soaking is often sufficient.
- Try the Paper Towel method: Place seeds on a damp paper towel in a sealed container and store them in a warm, dark location for 24 hrs. Monitor for signs of sprouting.
- Go for the Rockwool Method: The Rockwool block method is a popular technique for germinating seeds and propagating cuttings, especially in hydroponic setups.
Get rock wool blocks, pH water, seeds, and a tray. Soak rock wool blocks for hours in pH-balanced water. Now squeeze water and let it be moist. Make a small place and place the seed inside it. Maintain temperature around 18- 25 C. Let it germinate and later transfer it to a larger hydroponic system.
Tips for Cannabis Seed germination
- Viability Test: Before attempting germination, test your seeds to see if they’re still viable. There are methods like the float test where viable seeds sink in water.
- Scarring seeds: Scratch seeds with sandpaper to scratch the outer shell so that the seed enters the germination phase. You can even remove the ridge of the seed carefully without damaging it.
- Research Seed Type: Different seeds have specific requirements for germination. Research the ideal conditions (moisture, temperature, light) for the type of seeds you have.
- Start Simple: Often, the most successful germination methods are also the simplest. Moist paper towels or a shallow planting tray with a well-draining medium are common approaches.
- Patience: Germination can take time. Be patient and avoid overwatering or handling the seeds too much.
Don’t worry, if your seed does not germinate, every old seed does not germinate, so it’s okay! It is better to buy seeds fresh from the store whenever you are sowing them rather than reserving them.
Tips to Dry and Store Cannabis Seeds
Here’s the best way to dry and store cannabis seeds for long-term viability:
Drying
- Harvesting: When harvesting seeds from cannabis plants, allow them to dry naturally on the plant until the pods have completely opened and the seeds have hardened. This usually takes a few weeks after pollination.
- Separate Seeds: Carefully remove the seeds from the pods. Avoid damaging the seed coat.
- Air Dry: Spread the seeds on a clean, dry surface like a paper towel or mesh screen. Ensure good air circulation to prevent moisture build-up.
- Drying Time: Allow the seeds to dry completely for 24-48 hours. They should feel dry to the touch and not sticky.
Storing
- Cool Temperature: Aim for a storage temperature of around 4°C (40°F). A refrigerator is a great option, but avoid crisper drawers due to higher humidity levels.
- Airtight Container: Use an airtight container like a glass jar or vial with a tight-fitting lid. This prevents moisture fluctuations and contamination.
- Darkness: Light exposure can damage seeds. Choose an opaque container or wrap it in something to block light.
- Labeling: Mark the container with the strain type and date for easy organization.
- Portion control: Break down your stash into smaller quantities to minimize exposure to air when accessing it.
- First-in, first-out (FIFO) method: Use older cannabis flowers before opening new containers to maintain freshness.
By following these steps, you can create an ideal environment for your cannabis seeds to stay healthy and ready for germination when you need them.
How to Protect Cannabis Seeds from Molds and Pests?
The key to preventing mold growth is maintaining low humidity levels within the storage container. The desiccant packets mentioned earlier help with this.
Always store seeds in a cool environment, ideally a refrigerator set to 4°C (40°F). It inhibits mold spore germination. Using clean and dry containers eliminates potential contaminants that could promote mold or attract pests.
Refer- Identifying and Treating Common Cannabis Pests and Diseases
Conclusion
So, here are the factors that influence seed storage and we are sure you will not make mistakes that you were doing earlier while storing your cannabis seeds.
One thing that people often neglect is buying superior seeds. When you buy matured and high-quality seeds they remain intact for long periods. Because seed quality matters!