The cannabis seeds have recently seen favorable legislation in many countries. While opinions on these seeds used to swing from one extreme to the other, a large number of countries have now made it possible to sell these products. People can therefore buy these seeds and use them for various purposes. But if you don’t want to use the cannabis seeds right away, you’ll need to store them.
Storing cannabis seeds under the right conditions allows you to preserve your favorite genetics for a long time. However, doing so incorrectly can cause a series of problems that all lead to the same result: the seeds won’t germinate. Although common misconceptions suggest that storing cannabis seeds is fairly easy, it’s best to pay close attention to the details. How should you store cannabis seeds?
What are the main storage requirements?
Every successful harvest and harvest processing begins with a healthy cannabis seed, which is only possible with proper storage and preservation practices. A cannabis seed may appear to be a small, rugged seed with a tough outer shell.
Despite their hardy nature, autoflowering cannabis seeds, feminized cannabis seeds (female), and even outdoor cannabis seeds are living organisms that must be handled with care to ensure the vitality of the embryo they contain. Environmental conditions are very important for the health and vitality of your cannabis seeds, as these factors influence the final outcome of their growth phase. Discover how you can optimize the storage of your cannabis seeds to achieve bountiful harvests and perfect cannabis leaves.
Exposure to Light
Cannabis seeds were never designed to withstand light, and it is best to store them in the dark, away from any light. Cannabis seeds should be kept away from light for as long as possible, ideally in a dark, moisture-proof container. The seed coat helps protect the embryonic tissues from light, which promotes seed dormancy.
In nature, cannabis seeds in France typically fall from the plant in the fall and remain under a thin layer of soil until they germinate the following spring. As a result, cannabis seeds have not evolved to cope with intense light levels, which can trigger the chemical processes involved in germination. Storing cannabis seeds in an opaque, dark container is a good way to maintain maximum germination rates in the future.
Humidity Level
Moisture is the enemy of your cannabis seeds, and as such, it must be carefully controlled. Whether or not you’ve purchased collector’s edition cannabis seeds from France, avoid high humidity levels to reduce the risk of mold on your seeds. Seeds germinate at high humidity levels.
- 80% humidity or higher: Ideal conditions for your seeds to germinate.
- 40%–80%: Problem area for fungi.
- 20%–30%: Ideal conditions for short-term seed storage.
- 18%–20%: Ideal conditions for medium-term storage.
- 8%–14%: Optimal conditions for long-term storage.
Even if you obtain your top-quality cannabis seeds fresh from the plant, you may need to store them properly before germination. Follow the humidity guidelines described above to determine the best practices for your situation. Very high levels of relative humidity are used to germinate cannabis seeds; therefore, it makes sense to use low-humidity conditions for their storage.
A good way to make sure the seeds stay dry is to include a desiccant in the container where you store them—those small packets of silica gel that are often included with various products. They also absorb any excess ethylene produced as the seeds age, which can stimulate germination later on. You can even use rice grains if necessary.
Temperature fluctuations
When it comes to storing cannabis seeds, the fresher they are, the better. But only up to a point. At low temperatures, the shelf life of a Critical+ 2.0 seed, a critical mango seed, or even a og kush seed is significantly extended. This is because the plant’s delicate living tissues can survive for much longer periods, as cold temperatures slow down cellular biochemistry.
Another option is to freeze cannabis seeds for long-term storage, but if the process isn’t done correctly, it can damage them instead of protecting them. The ideal storage temperature is between 4° and 8°C. You can certainly store the seeds at higher temperatures, but their shelf life will be shorter. Many growers use temperatures around 4°C, but this isn’t a strict rule either.
Oxygen Limit
Although it is not as critical a factor, if an Indica or Sativa cannabis seed receives a constant supply of fresh oxygen, premature germination can also occur. To prevent this, store your Best Genetics Cannabis Seeds in an airtight bag or container. A vacuum-sealed bag is ideal, but any sealed container or location will suffice.
What are the best ways to store cannabis seeds?
There are different options depending on how long you plan to store the seeds.
A refrigerator
Based on the conditions described above, it’s best to store CBD cannabis seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place. This essentially means a refrigerator—ideally a “frost-free” model—which can protect the seeds from frost damage. But there’s a caveat: you can’t open the door all the time. That’s why it’s best to have a refrigerator specifically dedicated to storing cannabis seeds. Or at least a second refrigerator that is rarely opened, because every time the interior is exposed, it undergoes fairly significant temperature fluctuations. The humidity level also changes.
Glass jars
Buyers who want to store their cannabis seeds for the long term can use glass jars because they prevent any water from getting in. The jars are available in large sizes, making them suitable for storing outdoor cannabis seeds in large quantities. You can place a desiccant packet inside the jar to regulate humidity. In addition, you can also use cotton balls to separate the seed packet and absorb excess moisture that could damage the seeds. You should seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid or wrap it in an opaque cloth. This method allows you to preserve your French collector’s cannabis seeds for many years.
Paper envelopes
If you want to store your cannabis seeds for a short period of time, you can place them in envelopes. You can use a standard mailing envelope. However, you must make sure the envelope is thick enough to protect the seeds from light. You can store the seeds in a dark place where there is no light—which can trigger germination—so that the high-quality cannabis seeds remain dormant and do not germinate. Additionally, you can label the envelope with the strain name, the storage date, and the number of days you’re storing the seeds. If you want to ensure your medical cannabis seeds are exceptionally safe inside the envelope, you can sprinkle some rice grains inside or use a desiccant packet to regulate humidity. Be sure to keep the envelope indoors to protect it from inclement weather.
Mylar bags
If you don’t want to use glass, you can use Mylar bags to store your seeds for a long time. However, you must make sure the bags are thick and include a desiccant packet to ensure that the CBD cannabis seeds are kept at the proper humidity level and that no light can get inside. The bags are resistant to extreme temperatures, which keeps your seeds safe.
Vacuum-sealed bags
Alternatively, you can store your cannabis seeds in vacuum-sealed bags. They are completely sealed and prevent oxygen from coming into contact with the seeds. Vacuum-sealed bags are suitable for storing large quantities of seeds. You can choose to use the vacuum-sealed bag on its own, or you can place it inside a small container. Both methods are effective, and your seeds will remain dormant for the specified period.
How long can marijuana seeds be stored?
In general, always look for seeds of proven quality. If the ideal conditions described above are met, they can be stored for up to 5 years after production and remain viable. If you provide them with decent storage conditions and maintain those conditions (i.e., without major fluctuations in environmental parameters), you can expect Dinafem, Mobydick, Booba, or b-45 seeds to remain viable after a year or two without any issues.
Naturally, the longer you store marijuana seeds, the lower the chances of successful germination. Storing them improperly also reduces those chances. So, store them properly as we’ve described and use them as soon as possible to ensure the highest possible germination rate.
How should you store your seeds based on how long you plan to keep them?
Once you understand the conditions under which you should store your seeds, it's time to take action. There are various options available depending on how long you want to store them.Short-term
If you only need short-term storage, a drawer or a dark cabinet will suffice. The most important thing, regardless of the storage duration, is to avoid fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Rapid temperature changes, in particular, can destroy your cannabis seeds. If you live in an area where daytime temperatures are hot and nights are cold, avoid storing them outdoors. For short-term storage, place the seeds in a container with a desiccant. Seal it and store it in a cool, dark place.Medium-term
When you move on to medium-term storage (a few months), it’s time to use an airtight container. You’ll then place this airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that opening the refrigerator can cause significant temperature fluctuations. Therefore, it’s best to have a second refrigerator that you rarely use. You should also be aware that modern refrigerators have low humidity levels. If the humidity is too low, your French Collectible Cannabis Seeds or Premium-Quality Cannabis Seeds will begin to deplete their nutrients.Long-term
If you want to store your CBD cannabis seeds for at least six months, use a vacuum-sealed container. You can achieve this by removing all the air from a Ziploc bag. Special vacuum-sealed containers are also available online. Place the sealed bag in a dark container and store it in the refrigerator. You can also store the cannabis seeds in the freezer. Keep in mind, however, that you must germinate them immediately after removing them.
A Few Tips for Storing Seeds Properly
In addition to following the instructions listed above, you should keep a few tips in mind to ensure a satisfying final result.Keep the container closed and label the different varieties.
This may seem obvious, of course, but don’t overlook the importance of labeling the different varieties you have. Once the seeds have been stored in their containers, you should only open them to take the seeds out and grow them. It’s not advisable to open and close the container, because even in that short time, any seeds you don’t use will no longer be in the optimal conditions they were originally in. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can be harmful to them.
Labeling the strains you have on hand is even more essential if you can’t see them. In that case, simply attach a small label and write in pencil the name of the variety in each jar: Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica. Each jar should then be placed inside a cup to avoid mixing them up when selecting them.Keep the storage area clean.
To properly store cannabis seeds, you must also ensure that the storage environment is clean. If you’re not careful, pests can quickly destroy your cannabis seeds in France if they gain access to the storage container and its contents. A clean environment also prevents other contaminants, such as microbes, from compromising the quality of your seeds. After all, you’ll eventually plant these seeds, and you don’t want to consume cannabis grown from contaminated seeds.Dry the seeds properly. Whetheryou choose to store seeds in a refrigerator or in another dark place in your home, you need to be aware of other risks that exist. That’s why, as many experienced growers warn, you must dry your cannabis seeds properly and maintain the correct moisture level to prevent mold from growing inside the containers. To avoid this, in addition to drying the seeds properly, it’s always advisable to use silica gel for storage.
