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How long are cannabis seeds good for? Find out the answer, and learn about storage methods to keep your seeds fresh, in this blog post.
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Introduction
It is often said that cannabis seeds can last for many years, but how long are they actually good for? The answer to this question is not as straight forward as you might think, and it largely depends on the way they are stored.
Cannabis seeds are living organisms and, like all living things, they have a limited lifespan. However, if they are stored correctly, they can remain viable (able to germinate and produce a plant) for many years.
The ideal storage conditions for cannabis seeds are cool (around 50 degrees Fahrenheit), dark and dry. Seeds that are stored in these conditions can remain viable for 5+ years. However, if the seeds are not stored in ideal conditions, their lifespan will be reduced.
Seeds that are stored in warm (over 70 degrees Fahrenheit), humid or light conditions will not last as long and may only be viable for 1-2 years. Seeds that have been exposed to extreme cold or heat (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) may also be damaged and may not be able to germinate at all.
If you’re not sure how long your seeds have been stored or if they were exposed to less than ideal conditions, it’s always best to test them before you try to plant them. There are several ways to test cannabis seeds to see if they’re still viable.
The Shelf Life of Cannabis Seeds
Like any other seed, cannabis seeds have a shelf life. Under the right storage conditions, cannabis seeds can last for years and still retain their viability. However, over time, the percentage of seeds that germinate and grow into healthy plants will decline.
The viability of cannabis seeds is affected by three main factors: light, heat, and moisture. All three of these factors can cause the degradation of chemical compounds essential to a seed’s ability to germinate.
Light is one of the most damaging factors for cannabis seeds. Seeds exposed to light will degrade more quickly than those kept in the dark. Heat will also cause cannabis seeds to degrade over time. Higher temperatures accelerate the process of cell death and degradation of essential compounds.
Moisture is another factor that can damage cannabis seeds. Too much moisture can cause fungal or bacterial growth which can destroy a seed completely. Too little moisture can also be damaging as it will cause the seed to shrink and become dormant.
The best way to store your cannabis seeds is in a dark, cool, and dry place. An airtight container such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid is ideal. You can also put your seeds in a zip-lock bag and store them in the fridge or freezer.
Storing Cannabis Seeds
We get a lot of questions about how to store cannabis seeds, and how long they will last. The short answer is that properly stored cannabis seeds can last for years. But there are a few things you need to know in order to keep your seeds fresh and viable for as long as possible.
Cannabis seeds are relatively hardy, but they still need to be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. Temperatures that are too hot or too cold can damage the seeds and make them less likely to germinate. High humidity can also cause problems, so it’s important to keep your seeds in an airtight container.
One way to extend the life of your cannabis seeds is to store them in the fridge or freezer. Just be sure to put them in an airtight container first so they don’t get damaged by the humidity. If you do store your seeds in the fridge or freezer, you should let them come back to room temperature before you try to plant them.
With proper care, your cannabis seeds can last for years. But if you want to be sure they’re still good, you can test their viability with a simple paper towel test. Just place a seed on a moistened paper towel and fold it over. Then put the whole thing in a warm place (like on top of your fridge) and check on it every day or so. In a few days, you should see a little sprout coming out of the seed. If not, the seed is probably no good.
How to Tell if Cannabis Seeds Have Gone Bad
It’s generally accepted that cannabis seeds can last for up to 5 years if they’re stored in the right conditions. However, there are a number of factors that can affect a seed’s longevity, and the only way to be sure if your seeds are still good is to test them.
To test your seeds, simply place them on a damp paper towel and fold it over. Then, place the folded towel on a plate and put it in a warm spot like on top of your fridge. Check on your seeds every day, and after about 3-4 days, you should see telltale signs of life like cracks in the shell or white roots poking out. At this point, your seeds are ready to be planted!
Conclusion
The answer to how long cannabis seeds are good for depends on how you store them. If you store your seeds properly, they can last for years. The best way to store your seeds is in a cool, dark place. You can also store your seeds in the fridge or freezer.
