If you intend to grow your own cannabis, you will spend a great deal of time getting to know cannabis seeds. You'll want to know how to select good seeds from the right place, how to spot a bad seed before germination, and more. When you come across good seeds of your favorite strain, the question you are bound to ask is: how long do cannabis seeds last?
The answer is, when you know how to store cannabis seeds properly, they can last a relatively long time. Take a look at how long cannabis seeds can last, as well as the best ways to store weed seeds to keep them properly protected.
Why Should You Store Cannabis Seeds?
Cannabis seeds are organic, which means they deteriorate with age and exposure to the elements. They may degrade slower than a living plant, but much like a living plant, the seeds will lose viability eventually and will not germinate.
Properly storing cannabis seeds ensures your favorite strains stay viable for years. The right conditions can maintain the quality of your seed collection for an impressively long time. However, if conditions aren't right, germination rates for beloved feminized and auto-flower seeds may suffer. For dedicated home-growing enthusiasts investing time and money into building a top-notch seed collection, it makes sense to understand the best way to store weed seeds for an optimal outcome.
Not to mention, high-quality seeds are not always an inexpensive investment. Additionally, there are few things more disheartening than trying to germinate and seeing a high rate of seed failure.
Check Out Our Cannabis Storage SolutionsHow to Store Cannabis Seeds
To understand how to store cannabis seeds, consider what seeds require for germination: moisture and warmth. With this in mind, you know the seeds must be kept away from heat and moisture. However, there are actually four key factors to address to protect your seeds for the long term.
Control Light Exposure
Sunlight or even other forms of light tell seeds that they no longer need to remain dormant—you don't want them getting this idea. By making sure the seeds remain in the dark as much as possible, you will thwart the risk of the internal, waiting-to-thrive components from mutating or trying to prepare for growth.
Minimize Temperature Variations
Seeds fare best when stored at consistent temperatures. So, climate control is key. Don't tuck the seeds in a spot where the temperature can fluctuate, especially during the warmest months of the year. The most ideal temperature for seed storage is 5 °C (41 °F), and lower is better. So, while storing weed in the fridge or freezer is a bad idea, weed seeds are a different story. Just make sure they are in a sealed container that is dry and dark inside, and watch for condensation.
Watch for Moisture Exposure
Moisture on a seed shell encourages the deterioration of the shell, the germination process to begin, and even mold to form. Therefore, the seeds must be kept as dry as possible. Place seeds in a dry, airtight container, such as a glass stash jar, to keep moisture away from the seeds as much as possible.
Reduce the Risk of Pest Exposure
In addition to maintaining the environment, you have to be alert to potential seed predators, which do exist. Many rodents and insects view seeds as a healthy snack, including weed seeds. So, you do have to be mindful that you tuck your seeds in a safe place where pests will not be attracted.
Selecting Strains for Small Spaces
If you're growing indoors, seed selection is especially important. Choosing the right strains for small indoor grows can really help you use your space wisely and boost your harvest. We Grow NYC has put together a fantastic list of strains perfect for tight spaces. These picks are ideal for growers looking to get the most from their limited area. Together with our top-notch harvesting advice, this resource is a must-have for anyone wanting to perfect their indoor grow setup, guaranteeing strong plants and high-quality yields even when space is at a premium.
How Long Are Cannabis Seeds Good For?
Well-stored cannabis seeds can last up to five years under the most ideal storage conditions. While some sources may claim that seeds can last longer, seeds beyond the five-year mark can be harder to germinate.
How Do You Know If Cannabis Seeds Are Bad?
Growers have a few recommendations for spotting a bad seed, such as:
- Gently pressing the seed to test for a firm, ungiving shell
- Examining the seed for signs of fungus, like powdery material
- Checking the seed shell for cracks, holes, and lost shape or structure
Get Prepared for Harvest with the Best Weed Storage Jars
If you’re storing weed seeds, you're probably looking forward to getting some seedlings up and are already thinking about your eventual harvest. There's no better time than now to get prepared to protect your fine, freshly-harvested buds. Be sure to pick up the Evergreen Storage Solution with Evergreen Humidity-Control Pods, so you're ready for harvest, curing, and long-term weed storage.
