If you are looking to pick up some cannabis seeds, you will want to start with finding a reputable distributor and securing a place to store the seeds in ideal conditions. Doing so will ensure you have high quality seeds that have a long shelf life with proper storage. There are many factors that go into cannabis seed storage including light, relative humidity, temperature, and others. In this guide, we’ll cover all aspects of the storage of seeds in detail so that you can make an educated decision on which cannabis seed storage method is right for you.
How do you select cannabis seeds?
Cannabis seeds are available for purchase from a variety of sources including cultivars and seed banks. both online and in-store. When picking up marijuana seeds, it is important to ensure that you are using a reputable source, as there are many fake or counterfeit cannabis seeds on the market. Please do your research before buying from an online seed bank to avoid bad seeds and getting ripped off.
When selecting high-quality seeds, there are a few things you will want to consider as any reputable seed bank will have a variety of seeds. First, you will want to choose between feminized or natural seeds. Feminized cannabis seeds are created by forcing the cannabis plant to produce pollen that only contains female chromosomes, so all of your cannabis plants grown from feminized seeds will be female. Alternatively, you can choose natural cannabis seeds which have a mix of males and females in their genetic pool. Remember, only the female plants produce buds for smoking but if you plan to breed or make your own regular seeds then male plants are necessary.
Cannabis seed breeders offer different types of cannabis strains, so it is important to do your research and find a strain that fits your needs. Some strains are better suited for medicinal use, while others are better for recreational use. Also, if you are growing indoors, you may also want to ensure that each plant is around the same size if you intend to keep the plants in the same grow space. There are some growing methods, such as screen of green or ScrOG, that use low-stress training (LST) to guide the plants when growing and this can be made more difficult by plants of varying heights. Once you have selected the cannabis seeds you would like to purchase, you will need to decide what type of cannabis seed storage container you would like to use.
What are the different parts of the cannabis seed?
Now that you have your seeds we will provide a very basic lesson on the seed itself. The main part of a cannabis seed is called the embryo or germ which contains all information to produce new cannabis plants. The other parts include:
- Cotyledon: This provides stored food for the growing cannabis plant and is the first two leaves that sprout
- Seed Coat: The tough outer layer that protects the cannabis seed from damage
- Air Cell: This is a small air pocket that helps to keep the cannabis seed moist
What is the ideal environment for storing cannabis seeds?
The optimal conditions for storing cannabis seeds are in a cool, dark place with low humidity and moderate temperature. Too much heat or light can damage cannabis seeds, as can high levels of humidity. It is important to keep cannabis seeds in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming too moist. Please be sure to store them in a container that doesn’t allow light in such as an opaque container although dark containers work best.
How does light affect cannabis seeds?
Light plays a major role in the development of cannabis seeds. Exposing cannabis seeds to light will cause them to germinate prematurely. This is why cannabis seeds should be stored in a dark place, and it is important to keep them out of direct sunlight.
How does Relative Humidity affect cannabis seeds?
Relative humidity (RH) affects cannabis seeds by either causing them to germinate or die. If the RH level is too high, cannabis seeds will germinate. If cannabis seeds are exposed to high levels of humidity for too long, they will start showing signs of mold and become unusable. The ideal relative humidity for storing cannabis seeds is between 20-30%. Please see the chart below to understand how different relative humidities can harm your plants.
Relative Humidity Level Affect on Cannabis Seeds:
80-100% Plants will drown, wilt, and die within 12 hours
40-60% Cannabis seeds germinate at these levels
20-30% Ideal level for storing cannabis seeds
18-20% Heating can occur and your seeds can sweat
12-18% These levels are ideal for fungi to breed both on the inside and outside of the shell
8-9 % or less Insects and pests will be attracted to your seeds
How does temperature affect cannabis seeds?
Temperatures that fall outside the ideal range can damage cannabis seeds in a number of ways. Too much heat or cold causes cannabis seed dormancy which can result in the death of the cannabis plant. High levels of heat can also cause the seed coat to crack, while low temperatures can freeze the cannabis embryo. It is important to store cannabis seeds in a place where the temperature will remain consistent and within the ideal range. The ideal temperature range for storing cannabis seeds is between 38 and 47 degrees Fahrenheit or 3 to 8 degrees celsius. If you can’t store your seeds in a refrigerator or freezer, the ideal temperature to store the seeds is room temperature.
How should I store cannabis seeds in the short term?
If you are not going to be using your cannabis seeds for a few weeks, it is best to store them in the fridge. This will keep them cool and help to preserve their viability. Make sure to place them in an airtight container or they will become wet and moldy. The ideal spot is in a frost-free crisper drawer.
How should I store cannabis seeds in the medium term?
If you are not going to be using your cannabis seeds for a few months, it is best to store them in the freezer. This will keep them cool and help to preserve their viability. Make sure to place them in an airtight container or they will become wet and moldy. The cannabis seeds will not be harmed by being in the freezer for a few months as long as they are kept away from heat sources such as direct sunlight or vents. It should be noted that you can also use your fridge for medium-term storage; however, the more the fridge door is opened the greater chances of temperature fluctuations that can damage seeds.
How should I store cannabis seeds in the long term?
If you want to keep your cannabis seeds for years, it is best to place them inside of a jar, many people use a mason jar, or airtight container and add a desiccant such as dry, uncooked rice or silica beads. Cotton swabs can be utilized and placed between the seeds and desiccants and then store the seeds in the fridge or freezer. The desiccant will help to absorb any moisture in the container and keep the cannabis seeds dry. The cannabis seeds should be placed in an airtight container to prevent excess moisture from coming through. Do not use humidifiers when storing cannabis seeds for long periods of time, because these will cause the cannabis seed coat to rot away prematurely. This is the best way to store cannabis seeds for long-term use. People have germinated seeds after 20+ years when they have been stored properly the whole time.
What are some tips for helping my cannabis seeds germinate?
There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of having successful cannabis seed germination. Make sure you are using fresh cannabis seeds that have been stored properly. Soaking the cannabis seeds in water for 24 hours can help to soften the seed coat and make it easier for the embryo to break through the shell. Some people also choose to add a small amount of fulvic acid or hydrogen peroxide to the water too. You can also use a toothpick or needle to nick the cannabis seed before planting it, which will also increase the chances of germination. Some breeders will even use sandpaper to roughen the cannabis seed coat before planting. Once you have planted your cannabis seeds, make sure to keep them moist but not wet and in a warm place with consistent light. By following these tips, you will increase your chances of having a successful cannabis seed germination rate.
Summary
The first step is to growing will always be acquiring your cannabis seeds. There are many reputable breeders and seed banks out there and many are online too. You should decide whether you want feminized or natural seeds and try to grow plants that will be approximately the same size if growing indoors. The ideal condition to store your seeds is in an airtight container in a dry place with a moderate, steady, cool temperature. For this reason, the fridge or the freezer is the most ideal place and provides perfect conditions for short-term, medium-term, and long-term storage with 20-30% humidity and a stable temperature around 38-47 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, make sure the fridge or freezer does not have the door being opened frequently to avoid fluctuations in temperature. If you do not have access to a fridge or freezer, it is recommended to store your seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark, place at room temperature. When you are ready to germinate your seeds, you can soak them in water for 24 hours to help soften the shell. Nicking the shell with a toothpick or sandpaper can also help with germination.
Thanks for reading our article. Should you have any further questions we recommend checking out our articles regarding germination of seeds, humidity, light, and temperature.
To learn more about growing cannabis at home consider checking out our guides on: Getting Started, Troubleshooting, and Optimizing your Grow or search our Knowledge Base.
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