How to properly store cannabis seeds?

Proper storage is essential to keeping your cannabis seeds viable and germinating well. Whether you bought the seeds or harvested them yourself, following storage rules will ensure that they remain high quality and viable for many years. Optimal storage conditions are important until you decide to germinate your seeds. This guide will show you how to properly store your cannabis seeds.

Proper seed storage

Knowing how to properly store cannabis seeds is important for every grower, whether you're a beginner or a professional. Cannabis seeds are living organisms that can die if not properly cared for. They are the embryos from which cannabis plants will grow if the right conditions are created. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place to preserve their long-term viability. Exposure to heat, light or moisture can quickly damage the seeds, reducing the likelihood that they will germinate successfully when planted.

Here are the main reasons why it's important to store seeds properly:

1. Seeds can remain viable for more than 2 years if stored properly.
2. Excess moisture can lead to the development of mold, which can destroy seeds.
3. Exposure to light, heat, and oxygen causes seeds to deteriorate over time. Proper storage minimizes the risk of spoilage.

How to store marijuana seeds: ideal conditions

There are three main factors that can cause a seed to spoil, these are: humidity; light; temperature. Now about each factor in more detail.

Humidity

Humidity is by far one of the biggest threats to your seeds. Below you'll see how relative humidity levels (%) affect your cannabis seeds.

Light

Hemp seeds should be stored in complete darkness. Prolonged exposure to light can lead to premature germination. Even brief exposure to light during storage can cause them to spoil.

Temperature

The storage temperature of cannabis seeds is an important parameter. It is best to store seeds at 6-8°C in the refrigerator or freezer. It is recommended to place them in a vegetable drawer or in a far corner of the fridge. When using refrigeration, it is important to keep a few key points in mind.

Seeds are very sensitive to light, so they should be stored in an airtight container. If the refrigerator is old and prone to freezing with ice, this can cause humidity to increase with temperature changes, which will negatively affect the seeds.

The ideal option would be to use a vacuum sealer to completely seal the seeds. A bag with a snap or zip lock will also work. Once sealed, place the bag in a container protected from light.

How to store cannabis seeds: sealed and cold

For short-term storage, cannabis seeds can be placed in a dark cabinet with a stable temperature. Avoid places with drastic temperature fluctuations. For example, if your neighborhood is warm during the day and cool at night, try to protect your seeds from these changes and don't store them outside in a shed or garage.

For long-term storage, keep seeds with a desiccant, such as silica gel, in an airtight container and in the refrigerator. Ziplock bags are ideal because all the air can be removed from them, creating an almost vacuum container for the seeds. Once sealed, place the bag in a plastic or glass dark container to protect the seeds from light in the refrigerator.

Freeze-dry refrigerators are the best option. Problems arise when moisture is present in the refrigerator as it is the worst enemy for seeds (worse than temperature, light and oxygen). The ideal storage solution would be a refrigerator with a "No Frost" system.

Conclusion

Now you know how to properly store cannabis seeds. Follow the above tips during storage so that your seed remains viable for a long time. This approach will help you save money and precious time.