If you don’t start growing cannabis with great seeds, you will have a poor-quality cannabis harvest. Every grower needs to know that their seeds are alive and need proper care and attention for the developmental stages.
It can be stated that cannabis seeds are durable, but they need proper storage to prevent any damage. If you’ve spent many dollars on a seed, losing it due to improper storage can be an expensive mistake.
If you want the optimal germination of your cannabis seeds, you have to take care of them correctly. However, your cannabis seeds can retain for almost five years after the harvest with proper preservation and storage. So, if you want to know how to preserve and store your cannabis seeds, you have come to the right place.
After discussing top cannabis seeds supplier i49, we have noted down all the tips, methods, and ways to preserve and store your seeds. In this guide, you will get a proper insight into the tips for the efficient storage of seeds.
We have focused and outlined the tips based on the factors like light, temperature, humidity, storage, insects and pests, and germination.
Cannabis Seeds: Keeping Them Away From Light
The ideal condition to keep your cannabis seeds is in a location that is cool, dry, and dark. The best step is to keep your cannabis seeds in their original packaging.
When these cannabis seeds get exposed to change in temperature and light, it starts using its store of nutrients. This adversely affects the seeds to utilize the nutrients for germination as there won’t be enough nutrients left.
Cannabis Seeds: The Right Temperature For Storage
The ideal temperature to store your cannabis seeds lies between 43 to 47-degrees Fahrenheit. If you lower the temperature, your seeds will less likely germinate and grow. If you check the expert growers, they tend to keep a specific refrigerator for storing their seeds.
You have to remember that your fridge is a ‘no-frost model.’ It is best to keep your seeds in their original packaging within the vegetables and fruit section. However, you can choose to freeze your cannabis seeds too.
If you are freezing your cannabis seeds, you have to vacuum-pack them properly. Moreover, you must germinate the seeds immediately after taking them out from the freezer.
Cannabis Seeds: The Ideal Humidity Condition
Here, an overview of the cannabis seeds at different humidity levels is discussed below.
- Less Than 8%: The cannabis seeds will attract pests and insects.
- Between 9-20%: In this humid condition, your seeds will start fungi development and begin sweating. However, if you plan to store them for a long time, then 8-10% humidity is a suitable condition.
- Between 21-30%: This is the best humid condition to store your cannabis seeds.
- Between 31-60%: This is the ideal humidity level for the stage of germination.
- Above 60%: The higher the humidity, the higher the chances of its damage. If the humid level reaches 80%, your cannabis seeds will die within the next twelve hours.
You must remember that your cannabis seeds need some considerable amount of moisture for the germination stage.
Cannabis Seeds: The Right Storage Options
By now, you must have understood that cannabis seeds should always stay away from direct sunlight. We have already outlined the ideal temperature and humidity level for your seeds.
However, you must know the different options available for your seed storage depending on the period you intend to store them.
Short-Term Storage Options
A dark place such as the cupboard drawer is sufficient for you to store cannabis seeds for a short-term period. You must avoid outside storage if you live in an area with warm days and cold nights. You can place your seeds in a container with desiccant. Then, put it in the dark and cool corner around your house.
Medium-Term Storage Options
If you have intentions to store your cannabis seeds for a few months, you will have to use an airtight container such as the mason jar. You can place this sealed container in a refrigerator. However, opening your fridge can cause temperature fluctuation, which can affect the seeds. It is best to have a second fridge or simply avoid opening the one with seeds.
Long-Term Storage Options
If you want to store your cannabis seeds for at least six months or a year, you will have to use a vacuum-sealed container. You can use a zip-lock bag and remove all the air from it. However, you can buy vacuum-sealed containers from online stores too. Place your sealed bag in the dark-colored container and put it in the fridge or even the freezer.
Cannabis Seeds: Overview About Insects And Pests
Imagine the frustration when you spend hundreds of dollars on cannabis seeds only to find that insects ruined them. A single insect is enough to destroy your complete packet of seeds. The first step towards preventing your seeds from insects is avoiding exposure of the seeds to extremely low humidity, except for long-term storage.
You can also choose to spread diatomaceous earth or DE in your location of storage. This DE is typical sand made up of a fossilized algae base. It will act as an excellent natural insecticide for your seeds. However, you should avoid its use in a regular fridge as there will be other food items, fruits too.
If you want to alleviate the chances of pest attacks such as rodents feasting on your seeds, you will need to store them high above the ground. Ensure to keep the area of your store clean and hygienic.
Cannabis Seeds: Overview of Germination Stage
It is crucial to know if the seeds are in suitable condition for germination and further growth. You can test the seeds after removing them from the storage. You have to place them in a glass full of water and see if they sink or not. If they sink, there is nothing to worry about. However, if the seeds float, you are more likely to have poor-quality seeds. You can keep these seeds hover for 72 hours to see if they sprout or not.
However, if you have old cannabis seeds that are not stored and maintained correctly, you can still germinate them. Follow these few ways:
- Take a sharp knife to remove the hardened ridge of the seeds.
- Place your seeds in carbonated water for soaking. You can also add a germination booster, hydrogen peroxide, or fulvic acid. You must use room temperature water to pre-soak the seeds for a minimum of 12 hours in a dark place.
- You have to use sandpaper to scratch the seed shells to enable moisture and warmth to get inside the seeds. You must do it before soaking your seeds.
Final Thoughts on Preservation And Storage of Cannabis Seeds
If you have bought cannabis seeds intending to use them immediately, you have nothing to worry about. However, try to keep the seeds away from direct sunlight.
For short-term storage, it is best to keep them on a dark cupboard under reasonable temperature and humidity conditions. For medium-term storage, use an airtight container to place the seeds and put them in a fridge with ideal conditions, as discussed above. For the long term, use vacuum-sealed containers and place them in a freezer.
Also, ensure a clean storage environment, and avoid germination conditions for the perfect preservation of your seeds. There’s no stopping for you to get the best results from your cannabis seeds storage with all these tips and tricks.
