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Do Marijuana Seeds Go Bad?

By Elton Platt January 6, 2025

Do marijuana seeds go bad? If you’re saving seeds for later planting, this is the question. Seeds are the start of growing your own cannabis at home.

Here’s a fact: all seeds go bad if not stored properly.

This will show you how to store your seeds so they germinate when you plant them. You’ll learn about the best conditions and containers to keep them fresh. Read on!

Summary

Marijuana seeds go bad if not stored properly
Storage conditions include cool, dark and relative humidity
Factors that affect seed longevity are storage conditions, humidity, temperature stability, light exposure and quality of seeds at purchase.
Recognizing signs of old or bad seeds is key

Cannabis Seeds

What are Cannabis Seeds?

Cannabis seeds are the tiny but mighty reproductive parts of the cannabis plant. These seeds have all the genetic material to grow a new cannabis plant, they are the foundation of cannabis growing. Whether you’re an experienced grower or a beginner, understanding the importance of these seeds is vital. Cannabis seeds can be sourced from various places, seed banks, breeders and online retailers. Each seed can grow into a healthy cannabis plant if given the right conditions to do so.

Seed Quality

Seed quality is key to successful germination and healthy cannabis plants. High quality seeds will sprout and grow into strong healthy plants, low quality seeds will struggle to germinate or produce weak plants. Factors that affect seed quality are genetics, storage conditions and handling. To make sure you start with the best seeds possible, always get them from a reputable supplier and store them properly. Quality seeds are the foundation of a good cannabis growing journey.

Do Seeds Go Bad?

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the question about marijuana seed shelf life. Yes, like any natural product, cannabis seeds go bad. Their germination rate decreases over time.

This means old cannabis seeds will not sprout into healthy plants. Feminized seeds have a shorter shelf life than regular and autoflowering seeds, so proper storage is key to keep them viable.

Moisture, light and temperature play a big role in the life of your seeds. Stored properly they can last for years. But if not stored properly their life span is reduced dramatically.

How Long Do Seeds Last?

Cannabis seeds can last for a long time. External factors like storage conditions, humidity and temperature play a big role in their longevity.

Proper storage conditions are key to make sure you can germinate your seeds later. Understanding these factors will give you an idea how long marijuana seeds last and how to extend their shelf life.

Factors that Affect Seed Longevity

You want your seeds to last as long as possible. Here are the factors that will affect how long they will be viable.

Storage conditions are key to seed longevity. Store seeds in a cool, dark place like a fridge and you can extend their shelf life.
Humidity is crucial to preserve seeds. A relative humidity (RH) of 20-30% is ideal to prevent molds and other forms of decay.
Light can harm your seeds. Store them in a dark storage spot or use opaque containers to block light.
Temperature fluctuations can damage seeds. A stable temperature helps maintain seed viability over time.
Oxygen levels should also be monitored. Too much oxygen can speed up the aging process, so air-tight containers are best for long term storage.
Handle your seeds with care. Rough handling can damage the outer layer and reduce germination rates.
Seed quality at purchase matters. High quality seeds from reputable seed banks have better genetics which affects durability and germination potential.
The age of the seed when you get it also counts; old cannabis seeds may already have a shorter lifespan regardless of how well you store them later.

By considering these factors you ensure your cannabis seeds are potent and ready to germinate when you decide to plant them.

Genetics and Seed Longevity

The genetics of cannabis seeds play a big role in their longevity and viability. Seeds with strong genetics will last longer while those with weak genetics will have shorter shelf life. Proper storage conditions also affect seed longevity. By storing seeds in a cool, dry place with minimal light exposure you can help preserve their viability for future use. Understanding the genetics of your seeds and proper storage is key to their germination potential.

Signs of Aging or Expired Seeds

Old cannabis seeds lose viability over time and it’s hard to germinate them. Knowing the signs of aging or expired seeds is key to your gardening success. Here are the indicators to look out for:

The seed’s surface is dull and lacks the usual sheen of fresh seeds.
They feel light and dry, they’ve lost their moisture.
Seeds with cracks or holes are damaged and won’t sprout.
A healthy seed should be hard to the touch; if it’s soft and crushes easily under pressure it’s too old.
Fresh cannabis seeds are brown; if you see greenish or whitish colors they’re not mature enough to use.
Old seeds float when placed in water, while viable seeds will sink after a few hours.
Unusual smell from the seeds means mold or decay has set in due to bad storage.

Healthy seeds are soft to the touch, fresh. Older seeds are hard and may even splinter, declining in quality over time.

Storing your seeds in a dark storage place with controlled humidity will help prevent these age related issues.

How to Store Marijuana Seeds

To keep your marijuana seeds fresh, store them in a cool, dark place with controlled humidity. Glass jars or airtight containers can protect the seeds from moisture and light.

Temperature and Humidity

Temperature: Keep the storage area cool, 46-50°F (8-10°C) consistent. Minimal fluctuations to preserve seed viability.
Humidity: 5-9% relative humidity. Too much moisture will cause mold and reduce seed quality, too little will harm germination.
Stability: Temperature and humidity should be stable throughout the storage period to prevent seed deterioration.
Monitoring: Check and adjust the storage environment, invest in a hygrometer and thermometer to monitor these factors.
Sealing: Use airtight containers with built-in desiccants to control humidity and prevent environmental changes that can affect seed viability.

By following these temperature and humidity guidelines you’ll get the most shelf life out of your cannabis seeds and maximize germination.

Before storing, try placing your seeds in a glass of water to test their viability. This will help you know if the seeds are viable and will help germination especially for older seeds that need hydration to soften the shell before sprouting.

Containers

When storing marijuana seeds, choosing the right container is key to preserve viability and prevent degradation. Here are the best containers for storing cannabis seeds:

Airtight Glass Jars: Clean airtight glass jars to protect seeds from light, air and moisture.
Re-sealable Plastic Bags: High quality re-sealable plastic bags to protect seeds from humidity and temperature fluctuations.
Vacuum Sealed Containers: Vacuum sealed containers to remove all air and prevent oxidation, preserve seed quality.
Metal Tins: Metal tins with tight fitting lids to protect seeds from light and air, optimal storage conditions.
Seed Storage Tubes: Use seed storage tubes to maintain low humidity and protect seeds from the environment.
Mylar Bags: Opaque heat-sealable Mylar bags for extra protection from light and moisture.
Silicone Storage Containers: Silicone containers non-reactive environment to preserve seed freshness.

Choosing the right container will make a big difference in the life of your cannabis seeds, so they’ll be viable for later use.

As an alternative to germinating seeds try using a damp paper towel. This will keep the seeds moist but not too wet and will help germination.

Moisture and Light Exposure

To keep your cannabis seeds viable you must avoid light and moisture. Here’s how:

Store your seeds in a dark place, away from direct sunlight to prevent light degradation.
Use airtight containers to protect the seeds from moisture, maintain the relative humidity for seed viability.
Keep the storage environment at a consistent temperature and humidity to prevent fluctuations that can affect the seed life.
Use desiccants like silica gel packs to absorb excess moisture in the storage containers.
Check the storage conditions regularly to make sure your cannabis seeds aren’t affected by light or moisture.

By doing so you’ll get the most shelf life out of your marijuana seeds and maximize germination and growth.

How to Store Cannabis Seeds for Long Term

Proper storage is key to preserving cannabis seeds over time. Here’s how to store your cannabis seeds for long term:

Refrigeration

Refrigeration is the best way to store cannabis seeds. By storing your seeds in an airtight container in the fridge you’ll slow down the degradation and preserve viability. The ideal temperature for storing cannabis seeds in the fridge is 39°F to 41°F (4°C to 5°C). Make sure to keep the seeds away from moisture and light to prevent degradation.

When refrigerating your seeds use a glass container with a tight fitting lid to get an airtight seal. This will protect the seeds from moisture and odors as cannabis seeds can absorb surrounding smells. Also label the container with the date and strain of the seeds for easy identification. By following these tips you can store your cannabis seeds and preserve them for later germination and growth.

Common Mistakes That Shorten Seed Life

Poor storage and careless handling can shorten the life of marijuana seeds and weed seeds. Read the full blog for more.

Bad Storage Conditions

Bad storage conditions can shorten the shelf life of marijuana seeds. Light, high humidity and temperature fluctuations can reduce seed viability over time.

When cannabis seeds are stored in bad containers or exposed to moisture their germination rate will drop fast. This is especially important as old cannabis seeds have lower germination success rate.

Storing marijuana seeds in dark places with 6-9% relative humidity and 46-50°F temperature will ensure optimal storage conditions for seed viability.

Airtight containers are best for preserving these seeds, protecting them from moisture and light exposure which will preserve their long term viability for germination when planted.

Handling Seeds Carelessly

Mishandling marijuana seeds can shorten their shelf life. Rough handling can damage the outer shell of the seed and compromise its viability. Excessive jostling or dropping can physically harm the seed and prevent it from germinating and growing into a healthy plant.

Also exposing seeds to extreme temperature fluctuations or direct sunlight can also shorten their life. So handle your cannabis seeds with care and gentleness and keep them in optimal condition for later use.

Bad storage and careless handling are the main culprits in shortening the shelf life of cannabis seeds. Make sure to take care when transporting and storing them and protect them from any damage that may compromise their viability when you decide to germinate them later.

FAQs

1. Can cannabis seeds go bad?

Yes, like any seeds old cannabis seeds can lose viability or ability to germinate under certain conditions.

Seeds germinated within a few weeks of purchase don’t need strict storage conditions.

2. What affects seed shelf life?

Storage conditions play a big role in seed viability. A dark storage spot and humidity control can extend the life of cannabis seeds.

Proper seed storage is key to growing cannabis. Storing seeds in a cool dark place will prolong their viability so they will germinate well when growing cannabis.

3. How do I know if my marijuana seeds are still good to plant?

You can test their germination. If they don’t sprout under optimal conditions it’s likely they have lost their viability.

Seed viability is key to growing weed as proper seed storage in a cool dark place will prevent mold and pathogens and promote healthy plant growth.

4. Can I boost germination in old cannabis strains’ seeds?

Yes, plant hormones like gibberellin a3 have been shown to work in promoting seed germination even in older batches of various flowers including cannabis.

5. Does FDA regulate the use of these plant hormones on marijuana plants used for pollination?

No, FDA doesn’t have specific regulations on the use of gibberellin A3 on pollinating marijuana plants.

Conclusion

You now know that marijuana seeds can go bad. Storage conditions, handling and age affect their viability.

By knowing the proper storage techniques and avoiding the mistakes you can extend the shelf life of your seeds. Keep them in a dark cool place with controlled humidity.

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