How Long Do Marijuana Seeds Last? (Explained)

If you have some cannabis seeds lying around, you’re probably wondering how long you can expect them to last.

Read on to find out how to store your seeds correctly to make them last longer.

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How Long Do Marijuana Seeds Last?

Cannabis seeds can last for a very long time if they are stored in the correct conditions. The ideal storage temperature for cannabis seeds is between 7-10°C (45-50°F), with a humidity level of around 55%. Under these conditions, your cannabis seeds should last for many years.

However, it is worth noting that the shelf life of cannabis seeds will decrease if they are exposed to light, heat, or excessive moisture. This is why bag seeds that have been poorly stored have such poor germination rates.

If you are planning on germinating your seeds at some point in the future, it is worth testing a few to check their viability first.

How To Tell If Your Cannabis Seeds Are Still Good

Many growers have experienced the frustration of planting cannabis seeds, only to have them fail to germinate. If you’re wondering whether your stored cannabis Seeds are still good, there are a few things you can do to test them. One simple way is to do the float test: Take a glass of distilled water and drop it in your seed. If it sinks, it’s probably still good. If it floats, it’s not going to live.

Also, give the seed a light squeeze between your fingers. Healthy cannabis seeds should be firm, with a dark brown or black coloration. If they’re pale or green, they’re not going to sprout. If they’re hard and brittle, they might be too old.

The best way to tell if your seeds are still good is to try germinating them. Plant two or three seeds in moistened soil, and wait a week or two to see if anything happens. This method isn’t foolproof (sometimes seeds just don’t want to germinate), but it’s the most reliable way to tell if your precious cannabis seeds are still alive and viable.

Will Cracked Marijuana Seeds Still Germinate?

The simple answer is yes. However, it is worth noting that the germination rate for cracked seeds is often lower than for intact seeds. In addition, the process of germinating a cracked seed can be more difficult and time-consuming. When a seed is cracked, the protective outer coat is damaged, exposing the delicate inner tissue to the elements. This makes it more susceptible to infection and less able to absorb moisture. As a result, it can take longer for a cracked seed to germinate, and the plant that emerges may be weaker than one grown from a healthy seed. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to successfully grow a plant from a cracked marijuana seed. With patience and care, you can end up with a bountiful harvest of high-quality buds.

How To Make Your Marijuana Seeds Last Longer?

Let’s take a look at some of the main ways you can make your marijuana seeds last longer.

1. Store Them Properly

You can prolong the shelf life of your marijuana seeds by storing them properly. Keep them in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. You can also store them in the fridge, but make sure they’re in an airtight container so they don’t dry out.

If you live in a humid climate, it’s a good idea to store your seeds in the fridge or freezer to prevent them from going bad.

If you have a lot of seeds, you can also store them in a Mason jar or vacuum-sealed bag. Just make sure to label the container with the date so you know when they were stored.

Ziplock Bag

A Ziplock bag works well when you want to store seeds for a short duration of around 5-6 months. Any longer than that and your seeds may start to go bad.

Put your seeds into your bag, try to remove as much air as possible and then seal it tightly. Then keep your bag in a cool and dark place.

Vacuum-Sealed Bag

A step further than a regular Ziplock bag, a vacuum-sealed bag will ensure that there is no air left inside your bag.

This will allow you to store your seeds for a longer period.

You will still need to ensure to keep it in a cool, dark environment.

Some seed banks deliver seeds in a vacuum-sealed package that can store them until they’re ready for planting.

Airtight Container

Another great method for long-term storage is keeping your seeds in an airtight container.

Glass containers are preferable as they are more resistant to heat and UV ray damage.

Just make sure to keep them away from light.

Refrigeration

If you are looking to store your seeds for over a year, you can refrigerate them.

Refrigerators offer constant low temperatures and dark and moisture-free environment.

Keep your seeds at the back of your fridge so that they are away from any potential moisture or temperature changes from opening it often.

Make sure the container or bag your seeds are in is airtight and heatproof.

You will also want to make sure that your fridge is “no-frost” or has a no-frost area to shield seeds from frost damage.

Freezer

Freezing marijuana seeds is a debated method.

Freezing is used by some to store their seeds for years on end.

Others say that it ends up killing seeds instead of protecting them.

Some growers even believe that freezing seeds can damage their internal cells.

Using special laboratories and equipment can allow for the careful freezing of seeds, but this is not a very cheap or accessible option for many.

Final Thoughts

Now that we have covered everything there is to know about how long marijuana seeds last and how to store them, you are all ready to begin your growing adventure.

We’ve made sure to cover all our bases- from basic seed facts to how to choose the best seed bank.

Originally posted 2020-10-01 10:10:40.