How to properly store cannabis seeds?

Hemp seeds need to be stored correctly in order to keep them viable and germinate well. Proper storage is important whether you bought the seeds or harvested them yourself. Seed storage, when done correctly, will allow quality seeds to remain viable for years to come. This requires optimal storage conditions until you decide to germinate them. This guide will show you how to properly store cannabis seeds.

Proper seed storage

How to store cannabis seeds is important for every grower, beginner or professional, to know. Cannabis seeds are living things that can die if not properly cared for. Seeds are the embryos that will grow into cannabis plants under the right conditions. To keep them viable for a long time, they must be stored in a cool, dark and dry place. Exposure to heat, light or moisture can quickly destroy the seeds, reducing the likelihood that they will germinate when planted.

Here are the main reasons to understand the importance of seed storage. 

These include:

• Seeds can remain viable for over 2+ years if stored properly.
• Excess moisture can lead to mold development, which can spread and destroy the seed.
• Exposure to light, heat, and oxygen causes seeds to deteriorate over time. Proper storage minimizes spoilage.

How to store marijuana seeds: ideal conditions

There are three main factors that can cause a seed to go bad, these are: humidity; light; and 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. A seed that is exposed to light for an extended period of time will begin to germinate. Even brief exposure to light during storage can lead to spoiled seeds.

Temperature

The storage temperature of cannabis seeds is an important parameter. Seeds are best stored at 6-8 t℃, in the refrigerator or freezer. Our recommendation: put them in a vegetable drawer or any far corner in the refrigerator for storage. In using refrigeration, it's important to remember a few key points.

Seeds are very sensitive to light, so they should be in an airtight container. If the refrigerator is old, it can freeze ice (many old models freeze without regular maintenance), which in turn will lead to the release of moisture when the temperature drops. Such a factor can have a bad effect on the seeds. 

A vacuum sealer is ideal to completely seal the seeds, or a bag with a snap or zip lock will do. Once sealed, place the bag in a light-protected container.

How to store cannabis seeds: airtight and cold

For short-term storage, a dark cabinet with a stable temperature will do. Try to keep your seeds away from places where the temperature changes dramatically. For example, if your neighborhood has warm daytime temperatures and cool nights, try to protect the seeds from these changes and don't store them outside in a shed or garage.

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

Freeze-dry refrigerators work best for this. The problem arises when there is moisture in the fridge as it is the worst enemy for seeds (worse than temperature, light, oxygen...). The ideal solution for this kind of storage would be a refrigerator with "No Frost" characteristics.

Conclusion

Now you know how to store cannabis seeds properly. During storage, follow the tips described above. With this care, the seed will be in a viable state for a long time. This will save you money and precious time.