.png)
Cannabis seeds are not cheap... Therefore you want to be certain you store seeds correctly.
There is nothing worse than spending $200 on an exotic strain of seeds you are super excited about growing and when it comes time to germinate the seeds simply don't pop.
This article explains the best ways to store your seeds in detail by highlighting proper environment for sustained shelf life and some short-term and long-term storing techniques to keep your seeds from going bad.
How Long Will Seeds Stay Good For?
If stored correctly, cannabis seeds can last up to 4 to 5 years.
Ideal Storing Environment
The best environment to store your seeds is in a cool, dry, and dark place that resembles the numbers below:
Temperature
As a rule of thumb, colder is better.
Marijuana seeds typically will not germinate in colder temperatures, and we want to avoid germination until we are 100% ready to start growing.
The ideal temperature range for keeping your seeds usable for as long as possible is between 40° and 50° Fahrenheit, but as long as you keep them from being subjected to temperatures over 70° F they will hold up just fine for shorter periods of time.
Another thing to consider is you don't want your seeds to be exposed to fluctuations in temperature. Your seeds should be stored in a place where the temperature remains fairly consistent.
Humidity
Overall, you want to keep the humidity low, but not too low.
The optimal humidity range for seed storing is between 20% and 30% RH (relative humidity). Anything above 40% RH and you have entered the germination zone. If humidity gets too high (80% RH +) the seeds can rot from the inside out. Anything below 20% you run the risk of fungi growth and welcoming pests into the mix.
Light
Zero light is optimal for keeping seeds.
If your seeds are exposed to low intensity light (low wattage standard household lamp or over head light) for a short period of time don't worry that is ok.
However, you don't want your seeds getting a tan. Avoid your seeds receiving any direct sunshine and/or intense high wattage artificial lights like LED and HPS grow lights. Exposure to high intensity light can trigger the germination process and/or cause damage to the outer shell of the seed.
Think of your cannabis seeds as vampires. If they see the sun they turn to dust (not literally, but you get the point).
Seed Storing Techniques
Short-Term Storage
If you plan on getting your grow going within a month or so you do not need to go to great lengths to store your seeds.
Place seeds in a zip lock bag or leave them in the packaging they came in
Put zip lock bag or factory packaging with seeds inside into a no light container (think old sun glasses case)
Add a silica gel pack into the no light container to absorb any excess moisture
Keep seeds in a temperature controlled room with air conditioning in a closed drawer or a cabinet
Long-Term Storage
Maybe you have a surplus of seeds that you know you aren't going to be popping anytime soon, or maybe your housing situation changed and you have to hold off on growing for a bit. Whatever the reason for holding off, below are some tips on how you to store your seeds for longer periods of time (6 months or more).
Place seeds in a zip lock bag or leave them in the packaging they came in
Put zip lock bag or factory packaging with seeds inside into a no light container (think old sun glasses case)
Add a silica gel pack into the no light container to absorb any excess moisture
Store the no light container with the seeds inside in the refrigerator or freezer
Change the silica gel pack every 6 months or so, or when the gel pack has changed color from absorbing too much moisture
As mentioned, colder is better so you can throw them in the freezer, but this isn't necessary. Storing seeds in the refrigerator will keep them at the appropriate temperature range as the average temperature for refrigerators is around 40° F.
Conclusion
As you can see, storing marijuana seeds to ensure longevity takes a little more thought and preparation than you would expect.
If you are planning on having seeds stored for over a month, it is highly recommended that you follow the guidelines mentioned previously, but if you are planning on germinating in the near future, placing them in a sock drawer will suffice.
Happy growing!
Comments