How to properly collect and store your cannabis seeds

Proper harvesting and storage of cannabis seeds is essential for any aspiring or existing cannabis grower.

Maintaining cannabis genetics through their seeds correctly and long-term is an efficient way to save both time and money when expanding your growth path. The seed collection allows you to keep genetics you like, cultivate them and even mix them with others in the future. It would be ideal to start with the highest quality cannabis seeds possible so that you can harvest premium marijuana as well as premium seeds.

However, there is one thing that cannabis growers should keep in mind: the seeds are actually alive. But improper collection and storage can greatly deteriorate its quality. Because cannabis seeds are essentially living organisms that resemble animals during hibernation, it’s important that you exercise caution when engaging in any processes that interact with them, as you want to prevent the seeds from dying.

In this guide we provide you with everything you need to know when it comes to collecting and storing marijuana seeds.

How to collect marijuana seeds

The nature of the cannabis plant is dioecious, meaning that the reproductive organs of male and female plants are found on separate plants most of the time (as hermaphroditic plants can occur). In addition, it relies on wind pollination for pollen to be transported from the stamen of a male plant into the pistil of a female plant so that pollination can take place and seeds are produced.

Female cannabis plants that have been pollinated will produce many seeds as they mature. The female plant is ready for harvest during senescence, at which point you can start collecting. You will know that a seed is fully mature and ready for collection simply by observing its color and shape: mature seeds are dark brown and can sometimes have black streaks; They are also fuller in size and shape. Meanwhile, premature cannabis seeds are much smaller; They are also lighter in color and usually beige.

You can collect cannabis seeds either by machine or by hand. Home growers should have no problem harvesting seeds by hand, but it all depends on the size of your grow and personal preference. Seed collection should begin after cannabis has been dried for at least a week or two after harvest to allow the seeds to reach optimal maturity. It’s also easier because the drying process would have made the plant brittle enough, making it easier to break apart.

If you use your hands to collect seeds, the help of a fine sieve can make this process more efficient. A fine sieve also allows you to preserve precious trichomes, packed with THC and cannabinoids, which normally fall off during this process. Use your hands to then break the dried buds apart on the sieve and the seeds will fall out naturally, although you can also rub flowers together between your fingers and palms.

How to store marijuana seeds

There are three things that will instantly destroy and possibly kill the quality of your cannabis seeds: humidity, light and temperature changes. Moisture in particular is a massive threat; 20-30% humidity is always ideal for seed storage, while for seed germination humidity is maintained at 40-60%.

For this reason it is important to store marijuana seeds in a cool, dry and dark place. If you have purchased seeds that you will not use immediately, keep them in their original packaging until it is time to germinate them. Ziplock bags are another great way to store cannabis seeds as you can remove the air inside, although vacuuming is highly recommended if you have a sealing device. The important thing about the container is that it should be absolutely air-free, so any airtight container will do.

When it comes to storage options, it depends on how long you want to keep them. For short-term storage, it would be appropriate to keep it in a drawer or cupboard away from light as long as you can keep temperatures stable. They should be in parts of your home that are protected from temperature fluctuations.

If you intend to store the seeds long-term, they should be in a sealed container in your fridge in the meantime. But a refrigerator that you use regularly is susceptible to temperature fluctuations every time you open it. So if you have a spare fridge or have the budget to buy a smaller one specifically designed for seed storage. Another thing to keep in mind when using refrigerators is that they have an extremely dry environment inside, so make sure you can monitor humidity levels.

Additionally, you can freeze cannabis seeds for long-term storage, but keep temperatures low so they don’t spoil quickly. Freezing is an option, but it’s not necessary as long as you meet the required environmental conditions.

When stored properly, cannabis seeds can last for many years. They can be dormant, but they will still be alive and can be germinated, although of course they may lose viability the longer you keep them. Germination testing is recommended to ensure seeds are viable; To do this, plant one of the seeds occasionally and see if it has the potential to germinate. Fresh cannabis seeds usually have a germination rate of 100% or close to it, while seeds that are a bit older may lose their ability to germinate.

MARIJUANA PLANT SEEDS, READ MORE…

HOW TO STORE SEEDS FOR THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE!