Just because cannabis seeds have a tough outer shell doesn’t mean they won’t go bad over time. Rapid changes in temperature and humidity can ruin the health of weed seeds.
So, if you have extra marijuana seeds you plan to plant later, there are certain conditions you have to meet to preserve the viability of your seeds.
At Aussie Hemp Seeds, we take seed storage and germination seriously, understanding that proper care is crucial for preserving seed viability. Our seeds are pre-packed into airtight vials, the gold standard of seed storage, ensuring they remain fresh and ready to pop when you are.
We created this guide to show you the best ways to preserve your cannabis seeds for future use and some of the common mistakes to avoid.
Key Takeaways
- The place where you store your cannabis seeds should have a cold temperature of 5°C (41°F) or lower, with a low humidity (between 15% and 30%).
- Keep the seeds in a dry, airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for a more steady temperature that will give it a higher germination rate.
- Don’t open the storage containers too often to prevent contamination.
- Under the right conditions, those weed seeds will stay viable for the next ten years, but we recommend using them within the first 1-2 years.
Mould can quickly grow on cannabis seeds if the humidity is too high. But that’s just one of the reasons why it’s essential to store your cannabis seeds properly.
In the following sections, we’ll explain in detail how cannabis seeds can go bad, how to keep them in good condition for both short-term and long-term storage, and the materials you’ll need to do it right.
Introduction to Storing Cannabis Seeds
Cannabis seeds in small glass jars.
The seed coat of a cannabis seed feels smooth and slightly waxy. It is hard and designed to protect the embryo inside.
That inner embryo is the fragile seed tissue that can be affected by exposure to air, moisture, and light.
The primary reason you have to store seeds in an optimal condition is to ensure that they don’t sprout prematurely and they stay viable until when you’re ready to grow them.
A popular recommendation is to store the seeds in a glass jar in the fridge with about half an inch of rice at the bottom to soak up any moisture.
However, the best way to store seeds can vary depending on how long you plan to keep them.
How to Store Cannabis Seeds for Optimal Viability
There are three critical storage factors you must consider when preserving weed seeds to maintain their viability.
These factors are: the storage condition/environment, the container or bag wherein you put the seeds, and how you handle the seeds during routine checks. Let’s look into these factors in more detail.
Ideal Storage Conditions
The first thing to think about when storing cannabis seeds is the environment where you store them.
You need to pay attention to the temperature, humidity level, and how much light the area gets.
Temperature Control
You want to make sure the temperature of the storage space is cold. That is, 5°C (41°F) or lower.
While you can store them in a cabinet or drawer, warmer temperatures will shorten their lifespan.
This is especially important if you live in a hot climate like Australia. But it also depends on what part of the country you live in.
To better understand, we can divide Australia’s climate regions into five zones: Tropical, subtropical, arid, mild, and cool.
The key is to keep them cold, as heat can damage their genetic quality.
Humidity Levels
Another key factor when storing marijuana seeds is the storage area’s relative humidity (RH) level.
Extremely high humidity (80–100%) can kill seeds in hours, while medium humidity (40–60%) can cause seeds to germinate.
For safe storage, aim for humidity levels between 15 and 30%.
At the same time, be careful not to allow the RH to drop too low, between 0% and 14%, as this can dry out the seeds, especially if they aren’t kept in a sealed, moisture-proof container.
Adding desiccants like silica gel to your storage containers can help manage the humidity levels. In an airtight container filled halfway with seeds, you can add one pack of silica gel (0.25g).
Light Exposure
Wherever you keep your seeds, it must be void of light. Light exposure can trigger seeds to start using up their stored nutrients.
To keep the seeds in the best condition, store them in a dark, secure spot until you’re ready to use them.
Best Containers for Storing Cannabis Seeds
We’ve established that the crisper drawer in a fridge is an excellent choice because it helps you maintain the right conditions. However, the container or packaging you use also matters.
Airtight containers, vacuum-sealed bags, and Mylar bags can all work for this purpose. The best choice will depend on how long you plan to store the seeds.
Airtight Containers
For short-term storage, cannabis seeds can be kept in a mason jar or airtight container.
The basic design of a typical airtight container is that the storage vessel prevents air exchange between the inside and outside of the container.
Vacuum-Sealed Bags
Use vacuum-sealed bags if you need to store your seeds for one year or more. It keeps the seeds sealed away from air and temperature changes, preserving their quality.
Mylar Bags
Mylar bags are made with an aluminum layer sandwiched between plastic layers, which makes them excellent for long-term storage.
They are particularly effective for keeping cannabis seeds safe over extended periods.
Quick Tip:
- At Aussies Hemp Seeds, we provide ideal packaging to keep our high-quality feminised seeds fresh for as long as possible. So, it’s best to keep the seeds in the original pack or vial while maintaining the right environmental conditions.
Storing Seeds Short-Term vs. Long-Term
A dark cupboard or drawer with the recommended temperatures works well for short-term storage of cannabis seeds.
The key is to avoid places in your home that experience significant temperature fluctuations.
Quick Tip:
- If your area in Australia experiences hot days and cool nights, don’t store your seeds in a shed or garage where they could be affected by these temperature changes.
For long-term storage, keep your seeds in a sealed container inside the fridge with a desiccant, such as silica gel.
Be aware that opening the fridge door can cause temperature swings.
How Long Do Cannabis Seeds Last?
Cannabis seeds typically have a shelf life of about five years. If stored properly, seeds of this age can still germinate.
In some cases, seeds have lasted up to 10 years when stored under ideal conditions, though they may take longer to germinate than fresh seeds.
And, since nutrients decrease over time, it is best to use the seeds within 1-2 years, even after proper storage.
Factors That Influence Seed Longevity
Apart from how weed seed packs are stored and the transition from breeder to grower, several factors influence seed longevity:
- Heat levels: High temperatures can age and dry out seeds, reducing their viability.
- Light exposure: Light exposure can damage cannabis seeds, starting with the outer shell. Significant harm that affects germination usually happens after a week or two of direct, hot sunlight.
- Humidity levels: High humidity can cause seeds to rot. The humidity level in the storage area is crucial for keeping seeds viable for years.
Cannabis Seeds Shelf Life Chart
The chart below shows the average shelf life of cannabis seeds in different storage areas or conditions.
Visual Chart Highlighting Storage Conditions vs. Expected Viability
Keep in mind that these are just average guesses, and the real shelf life of cannabis seeds can change based on several factors discussed in earlier sections.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Cannabis Seeds
When storing your cannabis seeds, be aware of these common mistakes to avoid having seeds that grow poorly, take too long to sprout, or don’t sprout at all.
Exposure to Moisture
A frequent mistake, especially for beginners, is storing seeds in a humid or poorly sealed environment where moisture can reach them.
Moisture can cause seeds to rot or germinate too early. Even a tiny bit of water can lead to mould that can kill your seeds.
Incorrect Temperature Settings
We’ve established that the best temperature for storing marijuana seeds is at least five °C (41°F) or lower. However, it’s easy to get this wrong.
A common mistake is moving seeds around too frequently. Temperature changes can damage your seeds.
Another big mistake is leaving seeds in direct sunlight or near a radiator. Avoid these situations to keep your seeds safe.
Using improper containers
Many growers make the mistake of using any kind of plastic container for resealing their marijuana seeds.
The best way to store seeds is in a mason jar, an airtight container, or a ziplock bag. To keep moisture away, add a desiccant or silica gel pack.
Another bad practice is placing your containers in dirty areas or near unclean substances. This can attract pests, which can quickly ruin your seeds.
Contaminated seeds are less likely to be viable and can lead to poor-quality weed.
Lastly, always use clean hands when handling seeds. Avoid touching them with anything dirty.
FAQs
Can You Store Cannabis Seeds in the Freezer?
While it’s possible to store cannabis seeds in the freezer, it’s not always necessary. It depends on how long you want to keep the seeds in storage.
If you follow the recommended storage conditions in this guide, your seeds should stay viable for up to five years and still have a high germination rate.
What is the Best Temperature for Storing Seeds?
Seeds should be stored at around 5°C. They should be kept in a sealed, lightproof container in a low-humidity, dark environment to preserve their quality.
How Can You Tell If Seeds Are No Longer Viable?
The best way to test seed quality is to grow them. Seeds that won’t sprout are no longer viable. However, you can also check their appearance.
If a seed is soft and easily breaks when you press it between your fingers, it’s likely unhealthy. Healthy cannabis seeds should feel firm to the touch.
Final Thoughts
The importance of storing cannabis seeds in the right environmental conditions cannot be overemphasised.
On a final note, remember to clearly label each container with the seed variety, storage date, and any other important information. This way, you won’t mix up or lose track of your seeds.
We hope this article helps you store your cannabis seeds anywhere you are in Australia smoothly and without any issues. you can shop for high-quality feminised and autoflower seeds from us at Aussie Hemp Seeds