Where to store seeds to preserve their integrity over time

Where should cannabis seeds be stored to preserve their integrity?

Modified on: 13/05/2022

Cannabis seeds, like all seeds, should be stored carefully to preserve their properties and characteristics. Let’s see how in this short article

When you look at them externally, cannabis seeds may seem very resistant and robust with their shells. It is because nature has ‘designed’ them to withstand a range of adverse conditions. But like all-natural products, these seeds are not indestructible and have their weaknesses.

Changes in temperature or humidity can ruin the quality of marijuana seeds and quite quickly. 

We at Sensory Seeds, who are dedicated to selling seeds, know that storing them in the best possible way is critical, which is why in the following few paragraphs, we will talk about how to take care of them without making mistakes.

Where to store cannabis seeds?

What are the ideal conditions for storing seeds?

First, we must clarify an important point that may not be known to everyone: seeds are, to all intents and purposes alive, in other words, they must be considered as living organisms. 

In other words, they must be considered living organisms. It is as if they were life forms in a state of rest, a sort of lethargy that lasts until the moment they are planted, and the germination process begins.

It must always be remembered as a basic rule for caring for them. In the light of this, to ensure optimum conservation, they need to be protected from basically three elements:

  • light;
  • humidity;
  • temperature changes.

In other words, the important thing is to store your seeds in a cool, dry place, away from light, and, if possible, in their original packaging (BSF seeds are a good example). 

Light and temperature changes cause the seeds to use up all their nutrient reserves, and the damage caused would be considerable.

Read also: How to best germinate seeds?

How moisture damages seeds

Growers know very well what damage moisture can do to their seeds. To summarize, we can say that:

  • At 80-100% humidity, seeds tend to ‘drown’ and shrivel up within 12 hours.
  • At 40-60% humidity, seeds tend to germinate.
  • At 20-30% humidity, the seeds are best preserved.
  • At 18-20% humidity, you are at risk of overheating, which may cause the seeds to sweat.
  • At 12-14% humidity, you give room for fungus, which can attack both the inside and outside the seeds.
  • At 8-9% humidity, you risk attracting insects and pests.

It is a good idea to keep your seeds away from moisture. It ensures that they are not altered in any way and prevents them from being attacked by parasites or insects (which are particularly fond of them).

Furthermore, it is also worth remembering that this rule is always valid. It doesn’t matter whether the cannabis seeds are fast-flowering seeds, auto-flower seeds or any other type: the moisture resistance levels of the seeds remain practically unchanged and are very low.

Drawer for storing seeds in the shelter.

Where to store cannabis seeds?

If the seeds are to be stored for short periods, then it is also possible to keep them in the dark cupboard or drawer, as long as they are located in areas with stable temperatures

They should not be placed in areas where the light and sun vary in intensity during the day. It is why it is best to avoid storing seeds outside, for example, in garages or sheds that do not offer the proper protection.

If, on the other hand, the seeds are to be stored for a more extended period, then the best thing to do is to place them in a sealed container and put them in the fridge. In this case, however, even the slightest change in temperature caused by opening the refrigerator door could damage the marijuana seeds. Therefore, if you have one that is not used much, it is best to store the seeds.

The best thing, as already mentioned, is to keep them in their original packaging

But if you open a packet and don’t use all the seeds in it, it is best to keep the rest in a sealed container. It’s even better if you have a ziplock bag, which can remove all the air from the inside, thus preserving the integrity of the seeds.

In fact, as well as being kept in the fridge, cannabis seeds can also be stored in the freezer. The lower the temperature, the slower their decay. In fact, in the freezer, seeds can be stored for up to 5 years and at the same time keep their properties intact.

Read also: How to tell if a seed is male or female?

To conclude

If you’re interested in cannabis seeds, we suggest you take a look at our SensorySeeds shop, where you’ll find a wide range of seeds for all needs.

The seeds we select are of the highest quality and are distributed in packaging designed to prevent deterioration.

We hope you have found this helpful information, but if you want to know more, we invite you to read other articles on our blog. 

Meanwhile, visit our weed seeds shop and select the best online cannabis seeds to collect: you can order them and have them delivered directly to your home in record time! However, remember that growing hemp is not allowed in the UK!

See you soon!