How to Store Cannabis Seeds
Did you spend $100 on Cannabis seeds but they didn’t germinate? You must be wondering what you did wrong. The answer is, that you probably made a mistake in how you stored them.
These days, many people are buying cannabis seeds to grow instead of purchasing finished flowers. Whether to save money or simply because it has turned into something of a hobby to grow them. But many newcomers might not know so much about exactly how to store cannabis seeds, and no matter how tempting it might be to throw them in a jar, don’t. It’ll prove troublesome later.
The reason is that seeds, before germination, are actually living creatures in a sort of 'hibernation' or resting period. You’ll need to properly store them if you want to increase their germination rates. If you do that, your seeds can easily last five years or even a decade after harvesting with proper care!
While you may find it a bit daunting, it's really not that hard. So, here's a simple guide to storing your cannabis seeds for first-timers.
What are the Factors Affecting your Seeds?
The major factors you need to watch out for when storing your seeds are:
· Light
Cannabis seeds are extremely sensitive to light and can start germinating at the slightest exposure, meaning they would start using their food reserves and reduce their shelf-life.
· Humidity
The moisture content in the air around your seeds is also important as it controls whether they will start germinating or rot; for long-term storage, a moisture level of 8-10% is suitable, while 20-30% is fine if it's for s shorter while
· Temperature
Cannabis seeds are very sensitive to temperature fluctuations and can easily deteriorate. Other than that, a lower temperature is generally advisable. This is because it slows down the germination process, making sure they last longer. The most advisable temperature is around 8-10° C (about 40° F).
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Where can you Store Your Seeds?
How to store seeds also depends on how long you will be storing them for as a short time isn't a problem, and a dark cupboard would do, but there are other methods you would need to employ if you want them to last for a longer period.
The major thing you need to keep in mind is keeping the conditions around your seeds constant. As mentioned above, avoid places with sudden environmental changes that negatively affect them.
As cannabis enthusiasts grow, there have been several ways to store seeds that have been popularized.
1. Glass Jars
Ideally, a container made of a single material is best as different substances react to their surroundings differently. But generally, the most effective method is an airtight glass or mason jar.
It would help to cover the jar with a thick cloth to keep light out. Most people store them in the fridge for the cool temperature, but if it gets opened too much, that could cause the fluctuations above, so it would be best if you have a second less used fridge or a cool basement.
2. Mylar Bags
These are also a very good method of storing your seeds as long as they are thick. Remember to use some desiccant packs to absorb the moisture. The best way is using silica gel packets which should be replaced every six months.
Alternatively, you could also use Ziploc bags though they are more suitable for short or medium-term storage. Again, place the bags in a cool and dry place to ensure they can be stored for a long while.
3. Vacuum-Sealed Bags
Finally, you can use vacuum-sealed bags. This is the best method if you are aiming for long-term storage. You can either remove all the air from a Ziploc bag or buy special ones online.
These can be placed into another container like the jars and then stored in the fridge to ensure their quality for several years to come. Remember to put them somewhere with no light.
A Few Things to Consider when Storing Cannabis Seeds
First, remember to place your seeds in a clean environment to minimize the chances of a rodent or insect infestation since there aren't many ways to prevent those. Just think of all that money and work going to waste because of something like that!
Second, some people choose to freeze their seeds to stop the process of germination completely. If you do that, remember that your seeds need to be used as soon as you take them out.
Lastly, refrigerators also have lights so remember that whatever container you choose should be completely opaque to prevent any light from penetrating. This is why a second fridge would come in handy, but that's not something everyone has.
Once you get started, you’ll want somewhere to get the latest scoop. Whether you want to know the best medical cannabis seeds in 2022 or how to start marijuana seeds in rockwool, check out our latest articles on our website at autofloweringcannabisseeds.org
To summarize, your seeds need to be in a cool, dark, and dry place. Use thick clothes, desiccant packs and your fridge to make sure you can use them for years to come. Keep these few things in mind, and you're good to go!
