When you buy cannabis seeds in bulk, you can save a lot of money on your purchase. Some seed banks will even offer to give you free seeds with every order. No matter how green your thumb is, there might come a time when you have more seeds than you know what to do with. If you don’t have the space, time, or energy to commit to growing your seeds all at once, what can you do with them?

Germinating cannabis seeds can be a daunting task, and cultivating them all of the way to harvest can be even more intimidating. Yet, we can’t get anywhere without a seed that is ready to sprout. Thankfully, there are ways to maximize the longevity of your marijuana seeds while they are in storage.

Today, we are going to take a deep dive into how to store marijuana seeds, whether or not they can go bad, and how long you can keep those seeds in storage before their vitals are impacted.

How Long Do Marijuana Seeds Last?

Were you to discuss seed longevity with 10 different people, you’d likely get a bunch of different answers. Some growers suggest that marijuana seeds should be used within six months to a year after they have been packed. Other cultivators suggest that cannabis seeds can last for years when stored under the correct conditions. The longevity of your weed seeds will depend on several different factors, many of which we will soon delve into.

If you’re looking for the short answer; you can keep your seeds anywhere between six months and five years, depending on the packing, care, and handling of them. Multiple factors will impact the longevity and vitality of your weed seeds. So, can weed seeds go bad? Yes!

How Do I Know If Cannabis Seeds Go Bad?

The most obvious sign that a seed has gone bad is its unwillingness to germinate. Most seeds will germinate within seven to 10 days. There are a few other ways you can tell if your seeds have gone bad.

• Visual Appearance: Cracked seeds are less likely to germinate. Seeds that are soft and easy to crush are also not likely to germinate.
• If you’re unsure, you can always try the water test. To do this, place a seed in a cup of warm water. If the seeds sink to the bottom after a few hours, they are healthy enough to germinate. If the seeds stay floating, they are probably dead.

What Factors Impact Cannabis Seed Longevity?

Long before the seeds you order arrive in your hands, they will be harvested, packaged, and sent through the mail to you. This process is entirely out of your control and thus you must rely on a reputable seed bank.

As living organisms, seeds must be carefully monitored to ensure that they are protected for when they are ready to germinate. To make sure that your seeds are in the best condition possible for when their time to grow comes, try to pay attention to the following factors during the storage process.

Lighting

Light is integral to the health of your cannabis plant, so why wouldn’t it matter to your seeds? Light tells your seeds that they should begin to prepare for the germination process. When poorly stored, light contamination can trigger the chemical process of germination in seeds, which will make them incapable of germinating at a later time. To keep your seeds healthy and ready to germinate, keep them in the dark as much as possible. Avoid light pollution when you store your weed seeds to maximize their value at a later time.

Oxygen Levels

Believe it or not, your seeds would prefer to exist within a vacuum in storage. Sealing your seeds away from the world will provide them with oxygen while preventing the introduction of fresh air, pests, or other complications to the germination process. A vacuum-sealed container is great at preventing pests from thriving.

Heat Levels

Did you know that high heat levels can send a signal to your seeds that they should germinate? Keep your seeds in a cool dark place where they won’t freeze but can still avoid higher temperatures. We recommend storing your seeds between 42 and 46 degrees F at all times. Of course, room temperature will work for storage but it may impact the overall lifespan and longevity of your seeds.

Environmental Changes

Environmental stability is of the utmost importance when it comes to storing your cannabis seeds. Don’t store your seeds in places where the climate isn’t controlled and the temperature isn’t dialed in. Garages and sheds are not optimal locations for storage as they can experience serious environmental fluctuations. If we are wondering how to store marijuana seeds, paying close attention to environmental changes should be where we start.

By locking in our environment, we can avoid the introduction of humidity, fungi, and unwanted bacteria that may cause issues with our seeds. High moisture levels can also lead to the death of seeds just as effectively as any pest, insect, or microorganism.

How To Make Cannabis Seeds Last Even Longer

Now that we’ve assessed some of the elements that may impact the health of your seeds, we need to put them into action. If you are looking to acquire seeds in bulk, you might want to begin taking a few of the following steps to maintain the longevity of your purchase.

Pick Your Container

First and foremost, we need the right jar to contain our seeds if we are to store them for a long time. Ideally, you can select a container that has an air-tight seal without any porosity. Remove all of the air from the container, ideally through a vacuum seal, and place your seeds inside. The best type of container will be dark, cool, and completely sealed.

Tip: Most seed banks ship their products inside of appropriate packing materials for storage at a later time. If all else fails, the use of an envelope can work.

Pick Your Location

When it comes time to store your seeds, you want to pick one of three primary places: the basement, the refrigerator, or the freezer.

The Basement

The basement is cool and dark though it lacks the moisture control most people would want. If you still want to use your basement, consider sealing your seeds in a closed container with uncooked rice to absorb any excess moisture. Replace the rice as needed.

The Refrigerator

The refrigerator is one of the best places to store your weed seeds for the long term. The refrigerator offers steady temperature levels, controlled humidity, and easy access. Place your seeds in a container in the crisper to allow them to enjoy some additional warmth.

The Freezer

Finally, the freezer is a great option for long-term seed storage. Freezers are opened less often than refrigerators, thus providing a dark, cold, and more isolated experience. Check with your seed bank before freezing your seeds. If the seeds you acquired have been frozen, do not refreeze them. Reintroducing thawed seeds to the freezer may cause crystallization and its corresponding damage to your seeds.