After your weed seed purchase from the best seed banks, you may want to plant immediately and maybe store some. However, you will need to know how long do marijuana seeds last to make the decision effectively. Dive in!

Do Marijuana Seeds Go Bad?

Yes, marijuana seeds are similar to other plants’ seeds and organic matter, and they can lose quality while stored. According to experts, they typically lose their potency six months to a year after being packaged. However, contrary to popular belief, some say that, when stored properly, cannabis seeds can last up to five years.

Why Do Cannabis Seeds Go Bad?

A cannabis seed has an embryonic shoot, stem, and root found inside, is shielded by a waxy outer shell known as the seed coat and is fed by a nutrient-rich oil around them. Your cannabis seed still has a chance to develop into a cannabis plant if the outer shell is intact and the plant within doesn’t dry out or suffer any other damage.

This outer shell, nevertheless, won’t stay forever. The seed coat has the potential to crack as it dries up and hardens, endangering the developing plant. Alternately, the waxy coating can become so rigid that it stops allowing moisture to enter. In both situations, the cannabis seeds will be no longer viable.

Weed seeds go bad when the protection is broken, which can be caused by environmental factors. For example, if the outer shell is too dry because of lack of moisture, it becomes a hard shell and is more brittle, meaning it’s likely to crack. Even if the marijuana seed doesn’t crack, the hard shell no longer lets in moisture, causing the genetic material inside to dry out and die.

The outer seed shell is not the only part impacted by the environment, and it also affects the interior as well. As a result, it can make the cannabis seed go bad even if it still appears in excellent condition.

How Long Do Marijuana Seeds Last?

Marijuana seeds last long and can be healthy for over five years if stored properly. There have been cases of 10-year-old cannabis seeds remaining viable when stored but remember germination rates vary, and the old seeds might take longer to germinate than fresh seeds.

If you store them in a drawer, they can be viable for a year or two, meaning they have an almost 100% germination rate. Generally, the better you treat your weed seeds, the longer viable they stay, but if not stored correctly, their germination rate drops.

What Factors Can That Make Your Seed Go Bad?

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If you want to store your cannabis seeds at their most potent stage, you need to consider the five factors that make them go bad. Below, we have also listed the ways to protect marijuana seeds from lengthening their shelf life.

1. Light

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One of the main factors to consider is light, where you need to store your seeds in a dark place and block out any light. Light is an important factor in the seed germination process, so when a marijuana seed is exposed to too much light, it may lose its nutrient reserves, making it useless.

If your weed seeds are exposed to light for long periods, they become too weak to germinate, and if they become too weak, they may have difficulty starting.

Solution

Use a blacked-out or opaque container when storing in your fridge or a black bag to ensure the light inside the fridge doesn’t affect the seeds inside when opened. Also, when you buy your seeds from a seed bank, there is the packaging they come with, and you can leave them there but in a dry and dark place.

2. Humidity

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Healthy weed seeds should not be stored in conditions that will dry them out. However, they must still be stored in dry conditions with a relative humidity level of 8 to 10%.

When high-quality seeds are stored in humid conditions, the marijuana seeds can easily rot. High humidity levels can promote germination when stored in warm temperatures, leading to the same issues.

Solution

We recommend storing your marijuana seeds in a low-humidity container if you live in a humid area. Cannabis seeds require an RH of 40-60% to germinate, and humidity levels over that will drown and destroy the seeds.

However, humidity levels between 9-20% may also result in various problems, including insects, fungi, and even seed sweat due to excessive heat. Therefore, your seeds should be stored in an environment with a humidity level between 20 and 30% RH.

Some cannabis growers in the Cannabis community claim to use silica gel packs or sachets to keep humidity down, and it’s a perfect solution, especially if you live in hot and humid climates.

3. Temperature

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Warmth might promote germination. Modest temperatures can initiate some of the chemical processes for germination even if the seed does not germinate, which is possible if the other conditions for effective germination are not met.

This can cause the seed to exhaust its store of nutrients in the oil sac, making them unusable later when you truly try to get the seed to germinate.

Solution

The ideal temperature is cold, but it shouldn’t be too cold. Unless you have the tools to freeze the seeds quickly, they risk going bad if they freeze.

For short-term storage, ensure you store your seeds at a stable temperature and avoid a location with many temperature changes but for long-term storage, store your seeds at about 6-8°.

If you plan to store many weed seeds, we recommend you buy a small cooler to keep the temperature stable. This is because opening your fridge now and then can cause temperature changes, so keeping them with other products is not the best idea.

4. Air

Fresh air also causes bad cannabis seeds since it signals germination. A healthy seed should be stored in a vacuum sealing; if you don’t have one, store them in a sealed location. The lack of fresh air will prevent seed germination from taking place, which causes the marijuana seeds to go bad.

Solution

To ensure your marijuana seeds last, store them in a mason jar or an airtight container. Although you may want to use a plastic bag or jar, they are not the best as they may encourage sweating.

We recommend using a ceramic or glass airtight container with an airtight seal to maximize how long marijuana seeds last.

How to Test Cannabis Seeds

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There are various methods of testing cannabis seeds, and you can perform most of these methods before germination, saving you time and resources. So, how can you check if your old cannabis seeds are still viable?

1. The Sight Test

Cannabis seeds have a mottled brown appearance with light and dark patches and sometimes may have tiger stripes with a slight sheen if you view them closely. To tell if you have a healthy marijuana seed, some physical features will tell, including:

• Color– Dark color with gray or black patches is a sign of healthy seed, while white or green seeds will hardly germinate because they are immature. Pale seeds are most likely old and not effective.
• Shape– A round and fat marijuana seed will most likely sprout into a healthy plant
• Mildew– Use a magnifying glass to view them closely where a dusty white powder will symbolize powdered mildew meaning the seeds have a fungus and can no longer germinate
• Cracks– Cannabis seeds shouldn’t be cracked, and if they have a crack, its best to discard them
• Waxy coating– Good marijuana seeds have a waxy, shiny coating, and if your seeds don’t, they are no longer viable

If you cannot tell there is anything wrong with the seed’s shell, crack it open, and if it’s black inside, the seed is fermenting. Also, if it has a musty smell, this is an indicator that the seed has gone bad and cannot experience the germinating process.

2. The Touch Test

Another good indicator is how your cannabis seed feels. Apply a  light squeeze on the seed while holding it between your forefinger and thumb. Avoid too much pressure and use just enough to test the structure’s integrity.

If the cannabis seed cracks under slight pressure, it’s unusable and likely gone bad. However, if it’s a strong seed, it has a better chance of germinating and growing into a healthy plant.

3. The Water Test

If you are still unsure if your seed is healthy, perform a floating test to check if it is healthy. However, don’t use the water test unless ready to germinate the cannabis plants immediately because water could damage them.

Take a bowl of warm water, add your seeds to the water and wait for one to two hours. If they float on the surface, they have gone bad, but if they sink, they are probably healthy. After this, you will need to germinate the healthy seeds as they have absorbed water, damaging the seed if not germinated immediately.

4. The Germination Test

The final test could be trying to germinate your seeds, which can be done in multiple ways, including planting the seed directly or using the paper towel method. After germination, you are good to go, and ensure to check back to confirm you don’t have any male cannabis plants.

Can you Save Bad Weed Seeds?

No amount of darkness, low humidity, or low temperature will be able to save seeds that have already gone bad. However, you can try a few tricks if your seeds show no signs of hatching after a few days. They include:

1. Sandpaper the Outer Layer

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Use sandpaper and scrape off the outer layer, which creates small abrasions that allow moisture to enter the seeds. This can help in cases where the shell has hardened, and no moisture can enter. However, use a fine sandpaper and don’t rub for too long.

2. Cut Outer Layer

Using a sharp knife to make a small cut into the shell is an alternative option, so water can now enter. The cut should be made across rather than from tip to tail. Since it is so simple to cut too deeply, this process is riskier than using sandpaper.

Conclusion on Do Marijuana Seeds Go Bad

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Telling whether your weed seeds remain viable is not exactly science, but sadly, you don’t know what is inside apart from its appearance. At the very least, you can now identify if your marijuana seeds have gone bad, giving you greater chances to develop a successful growth.

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The simple answer is about five years. However, it takes a few more measures to ensure the long-term survival of the seed if you want to preserve it for a longer time. Keep reading to learn more about the marijuana seed and long-term storage tips to ensure they remain viable.

How Long Do Marijuana Seeds Last?

How long marijuana seeds last before going bad is a topic of much discussion. Some claim they can keep for years if maintained in the proper circumstances, while others dispute this and claim they must be used within six to twelve months after packaging.

The most significant of the many diverse factors that affect the lifetime of cannabis seeds is preservation.

When it comes to storage, if you bought your seeds from a seed bank and they came in their packaging, you may keep them there in a dark, dry area; seed banks often advise planting within the year.

Therefore, the care you give them will determine how long cannabis seeds can survive. Marijuana seeds survive for a very long time if you are extremely cautious.

What Factors Affect Marijuana Seeds Longevity?

1. Moisture

Moisture also signals the start of germination. Furthermore, rotting may occur in a damp atmosphere. Ideally, you should preserve your seeds in a dry atmosphere with a relative humidity of 8% to 10%.

2. Oxygen

The marijuana seeds tend to survive considerably longer when put in a vacuum-sealed container. Even if the usual atmosphere of the earth will keep them safe for a very long time, a vacuum is preferable.

Although they will have access to oxygen, they won’t always have access to clean air. Lack of fresh air not only prevents germination but also makes it more challenging for pests to grow.

3. Light

Any container you choose to store your seeds must be completely light-proof. If you’ve ever attempted to germinate cannabis seeds, you are aware of the significance of light in determining whether a seed will grow or not.

Your seeds may become too weak to germinate if they are exposed to light for an extended period, and even if they do, they may have difficulty getting started.

4. Heat

Temperature is the primary determinant of how long marijuana seeds last. Therefore, the ideal temperature for your storage location should be about 38 degrees Fahrenheit, with 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) being the absolute maximum.

Your marijuana seeds will last the longest if you store them in a separate refrigerator or a location in the rear. The temperature is changed every time you open the refrigerator, which over time may be detrimental to the seeds.

5. Humidity Level

Another vital factor that might affect the success percentage of your seeds is humidity. Keep relative humidity low in their container since relative humidity is basically what causes seeds to germinate. This certainly depends on your local environment, as some regions experience very high humidity levels while others are rather dry.

Cannabis seeds need an RH of 40 to 60 percent to sprout; any humidity over that will drown and destroy the seeds.

However, humidity levels between 9 and 20 percent may also result in various problems, including insects, fungus, and even seed perspiration due to extreme heat. Therefore, the Relative Humidity(RH) is 20 to 30 percent, the best humidity level for storing seeds.

Best Practices for Storing Your Marijuana Seed

• Storing seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place can help maintain them for a long time.
• Using a vacuum seal or an airtight container will ensure they survive longer. Ensure there are no pores.
• If you can’t get a vacuum-sealed container, you can just put them in a dark paper envelope. While the vacuum is ideal, it is not a must.
• 
• Consider putting the container with the seeds in a mason jar made of glass to ensure it is completely dark inside.
• To achieve lower humidity, add some desiccant such as silica gel packs.
• Place the mason jar in the fridge. To avoid the temperature and humidity changes, it is ideal to use a refrigerator that is not used frequently.

What is the Recommended Place for Storing Marijuana Seeds?

1. Fridge

The ideal solution is to keep them in refrigerators, which you should keep between 6 and 8 degrees Celsius and 20 and 30 percent relative humidity. You should naturally shield them from light. The crisper is an excellent pick for the ideal location in your refrigerator since it is a bit warmer there than the remainder of the unit.

2. Freezer

One of the most well-liked places to store your quality seeds is a typical freezer that has minimal temperature swings, dark and roughly -15 °F.

However, you run the trouble of the seeds you bought being frozen. The seeds draw moisture as they defrost. Refreezing them results in crystallization, which kills the seeds.

3. Basement

A basement used to store seeds should be cool and dark. When it comes to moisture management, professionals recommend putting the seed in a closed container with some uncooked rice to absorb any moisture but remember to change the rice out often) A silica bag made of food-grade material will also work well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Marijuana Seeds

1. Will cracked marijuana seeds still germinate?

No. It cannot germinate because once the genetic material inside the seed is made visible, it loses its ability to do so. As a result, the seeds must be handled with extreme care to prevent crushing or injury, including placing them in proper containers. As long as they are well-protected, cannabis seeds may survive extended periods in storage.

2. Do marijuana seeds go bad?

The embryonic shoot, stem, and root found within are shielded by a waxy outer shell known as the seed coat and are fed by a nutrient-rich oil around them. Your seed may still develop into a cannabis plant if the shell is intact and the plant inside doesn’t dry out or suffer any harm.

3. How do you determine whether the seeds are viable?

The seeds are still usable if they have a dark color, such as dark brown, grey, or black, indicating that the outer shell is intact. The seeds should have a glossy, waxy covering, indicating that they can still retain moisture. The seed is ok if the outer shell is undamaged since healthy weed seeds don’t have cracks or holes.

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It’s one of the largest cause for confusion, as it’s not always clear whether some auto-flowering seeds are feminized. Auto-flowering seeds grow without relying on light cycles. Feminized seeds grow like regular seeds (relying on light cycles) and only contain female genetics, hence only producing female plants and buds. If an auto-flowering seed is not feminized, then there is a 50/50 chance that you’ll get male plants as well as female. And those male plants can cause quite a hassle.

So, are all auto-flowering marijuana seeds feminized? These days, yes, most auto-flowering varieties are feminized. Since auto-flower seeds are designed to streamline the process, it makes sense that they’re feminized to even further speed things up and make things as straightforward as possible.

Before getting your hands on the best auto-flowering and feminized seeds on the market, keep reading to discover more about the two most popular varieties.

What are Auto-Flowering Marijuana Seeds?

It’s pretty much all in the name. “Auto-flowering” refers to the ability of these seeds to flower in an “automatic” sense. This means that they don’t require regular light cycles to grow, in comparison to other seeds which need these light cycles to develop.

You can also refer to regular seeds as photoperiod seeds, if you want to get a little fancy. Photoperiodism is the response to changes in daylength, which allows plants to adjust to seasonal environmental changes.

So, rather than reaching their final form thanks to light, auto-flowering seeds grow and flourish once the plant reaches a certain age. These seeds do need some light to help them on their way, but certainly not as much as feminized or other seeds. In other words, they aren’t light-dependent.

You may have heard a myth floating around that all auto-flowering seeds are less potent than feminized. Due to new research and advancements, you can find auto-flowering varieties with just as much THC potency as regular seeds. THC is a cannabinoid within the marijuana plant that makes you high, whereas CBD has no psychoactive effect.

Pros

• Ideal for beginner growers
• Fast harvest period
• Short and compact for easy growing indoors
• Not reliant on light cycles
• High in CBD
• Strong genetics

Cons

• Unable to clone (or at least very difficult)
• Reduced yield
• Can be less potent in THC

Are All Auto-Flowering Marijuana Seeds Feminized?

When it comes to the feminized or non-feminized topic, you’ll find that most auto-flowering seeds are in fact feminized. Due to the existing user-friendly nature of auto-flowering seeds, it makes sense for most of them to already come feminized. This makes the growing process even easier, as you don’t need to potentially account time for removing male plants from the mix.

What are Feminized Marijuana Seeds?

Feminized seeds are seeds that only produce female plants, and hence are hugely popular among experienced cultivators. They produce huge yields with strong, potent buds, and are much easier to clone. This means that growers don’t need to purchase new seeds each time, and can instead clone their existing seeds that produced the best plants. You know, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?

Essentially, feminized seeds eliminate that 50/50 chance of having female or male plants. Male plants are undesirable because they grow pollen sacs instead of buds. It’s these pollen sacs that make the male plants pretty useless (to put it lightly).

Not only can you not smoke male plants, but they can also pollinate the female plants. Once pollinated, the female plants will produce seeds, not buds, so you can’t harvest them to make them into the bud you know and love. This should be left to the real expert growers, as removing the males can be a delicate process.

Pros

• Ideal for experienced growers
• Potent yield
• Stronger genetics
• Only produces female plants
• Cost-effective
• Ideal for cloning

Cons

• Slightly slower harvest period
• Possibility of hermaphrodite plants

Male plants do have some uses. For instance, they can be harvested to make a soft hemp fibre, used for clothes or other homeware pieces.

So, feminized is pretty much the way to go if you want a smoother growing process. That is why most people are looking for an auto-flowering variety that is already feminized. If you’re not sure, make sure to always check the strain’s details to ensure that it’s feminized.

Best Way to Store Marijuana Seeds

No matter which kind of seed you’re growing, you need to know how to store it to ensure it stays fresh and survives in time for the germination process. Seeds can be used for up to 10 years if they’ve been stored properly. You should really be using fresh seeds, but that’s to give you an idea of just how important storage is to the viability of your seeds. It’s best to plant your seeds within a year of storage.

• Keep seeds away from any form of light.
• Store them between 4.4 °C and 8.3 °C.
• Control humidity levels between 5% and 9%.
• Keep them in a clean environment to prevent contamination from insects, bacteria, and mould.
• Use Mylar bags or glass containers with an airtight seal. Do not use plastic jars or bags, as these are more porous.

Buy Auto-Flowering and Feminized Marijuana Seeds Today

Now you know that most auto-flowering seeds are feminized, it’s time to grow these babies yourself. Make the process easier with some of the best auto-flowering varieties, as well as the best feminized if you’re a little more experienced. To be safe, we suggest always checking each individual strain of seeds to see if they are labelled as “feminized”.

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