How to Store Cannabis Seeds: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to store cannabis seeds? Cannabis seeds, encased in their resilient outer covering, appear quite durable. However, despite nature’s robust design, cannabis seeds are not indestructible. Sudden shifts in temperature and excessive humidity can swiftly damage a collection of seeds. Fortunately, the process of nurturing your seeds is straightforward. Continue reading to discover how to properly care for them.

Nurture Your Seeds

Many overlook this fact, but it holds true: your cannabis seeds are living beings. Before they sprout, they remain dormant, akin to certain animals during hibernation. Just like any living organism, seeds are susceptible to perishing. How long do cannabis seeds last? When storing them, it’s crucial to provide the ideal conditions to preserve them until you’re prepared to germinate and sow them.

Optimal Environment for Growing Cannabis Seeds

Cannabis seeds face four primary adversaries: humidity, temperature, light, and oxygen. To preserve their viability, it’s best to store them in a cool, dark, and dry location, preferably in their original packaging. Royal Queen Seeds has engineered their packaging to safeguard seeds until they’re ready for planting. Exposure to light or sudden temperature fluctuations can deplete their nutrient reserves prematurely, hindering germination. Additionally, high humidity may foster fungal growth on the seeds.

Humidity’s Influence on Cannabis Seeds

How to store seeds long term? Humidity presents a notable danger to your seeds. In the following discussion, we’ll delve into the effects of different humidity levels on your cannabis seeds.

Tips for Storing Cannabis Seeds

For short-term preservation, place your cannabis seeds in a dark, stable-temperature spot like a cupboard or drawer, away from areas prone to temperature fluctuations like sheds or garages.

For longer-term storage, utilize a sealed container with a desiccant like silica gel, stored in the refrigerator. Opt for a secondary fridge with less frequent use to minimize temperature shifts.

Keep seeds in their original packaging whenever feasible. If opened, transfer extra seeds to an airtight container like a ziplock bag, removing excess air for a near-vacuum seal. Store this bag in a dark container within the fridge to shield seeds from light.

Ensure your fridge is dry, as humidity poses a greater threat to seeds than temperature, light, or oxygen. Consider using a No Frost fridge for optimal preservation.

Can Seeds Be Stored in the Freezer?

How to store seeds? Cannabis seeds can be preserved in the freezer, as lower temperatures slow down their degradation. Yet, freezing isn’t typically required. By meeting the conditions mentioned earlier, you can expect to maintain seed viability for approximately five years with a good germination rate.

Choosing Seeds to Plant and Seeds to Save

When preparing to sprout your seeds, examine them closely and prioritize germinating any seeds with outer shell damage. The outer shell serves to safeguard the delicate genetic material within. Seeds with cracks in this protective shell are susceptible and should not be kept for storage.

At Royal Queen Seeds, we are committed to delivering superior genetics to every grower. To uphold this standard, we thoroughly inspect all our seeds before packaging. If you detect any damage in your RQS seeds, please contact our customer service promptly.

Guidelines for Sprouting Aged Marijuana Seeds

We’ve all come across a stray seed tucked away in a forgotten corner of a drawer or cupboard. Here are some tips for sprouting aged cannabis seeds:

• Pre-soak in enhanced carbonated water: Before germinating old seeds, consider soaking them in carbonated water infused with substances like fulvic acid, germination boosters, hydrogen peroxide, or gibberellic acid. Use room temperature water and soak the seeds in darkness for 12 hours for optimal results.
• Scarification: Older seeds may have tough outer shells. Lightly scratching or rubbing the shell with sandpaper before soaking can help moisture and warmth penetrate, aiding germination.
• Remove seed ridges: The ridge on a seed’s shell can toughen with age. Carefully removing it with a sharp blade, such as a Stanley knife, can facilitate sprouting.
• Consider slicing the seed: As a last resort, making a small incision in the seed’s shell may encourage germination. However, this method requires caution to avoid damaging the embryo, which could prevent successful sprouting.

Keep in mind that despite your efforts, some old seeds may simply not germinate. Whenever possible, only purchase the number of seeds you intend to plant to minimize potential germination issues.