Can marijuana seeds go bad?

Marijuana seeds are living organisms, even though they appear dry and dormant. Like all living things, they have a natural lifespan. So, yes — marijuana seeds can go bad if they are not stored correctly or kept for too long. But the good news is: with proper storage, cannabis seeds can remain viable for years without losing their germination power.

In this article, we’ll explain how long cannabis seeds typically last, the signs that a seed has gone bad, and best practices to store your seeds for the long term. Whether you're holding onto a rare strain or saving seeds from your last grow, protecting their quality is key if you want healthy, vigorous plants.

If you're investing in premium genetics, protecting that investment starts with knowing how to care for your seeds. You can explore our collection of cannabis seeds for the freshest options.

Do marijuana seeds expire?

Yes, but it depends on storage

Marijuana seeds don’t have an expiration date like food, but they do lose viability over time, especially if they’re exposed to heat, light, moisture, or oxygen.

Properly stored seeds can stay viable for 2 to 5 years, and sometimes longer. But seeds that are stored carelessly may lose germination ability in less than 12 months.

How long do cannabis seeds last?

Ideal lifespan under optimal conditions

If kept in a cool, dark, and dry environment, cannabis seeds can remain viable for:

• 1 year: High germination rate (~90–100%)

• 2–3 years: Moderate germination rate (~70–90%)

• 4–5 years: Decreasing rate (~40–70%)

• 6+ years: Low but possible (~20–50%), depending on genetics and storage

Factors that affect longevity

• Temperature: Seeds prefer consistent temperatures between 5–8 °C (41–46 °F)

• Humidity: Should remain under 10% to avoid mould and rot

• Light: Even indirect light can trigger degradation

• Air: Exposure to oxygen leads to oxidation and seed ageing

This is why all seeds at Mavericks Genetics are stored in controlled environments, and we recommend you follow similar practices once you receive your seeds.

Can old seeds still germinate?

Yes — old seeds can still germinate, but with lower success rates and delayed sprouting times. You may need to use additional techniques to support older seeds, such as:

• Soaking in warm water with hydrogen peroxide

• Scarification (lightly sanding the shell to help moisture penetrate)

• Using a rooting stimulant or enzyme product

• Paper towel germination method to maintain high humidity and oxygen flow

For step-by-step instructions, visit our germination guide.

How to know if a marijuana seed has gone bad

Visual signs

A bad or dead cannabis seed may show:

• Cracks or holes in the outer shell

• Soft or squishy texture

• Very pale or greenish colour

• Mould or fuzzy white spots

• Wrinkled, dried-out appearance

Healthy seeds are firm, dark (brown to grey), and have a smooth, sometimes striped surface.

The crush test

Gently press the seed between your fingers. If it crushes easily, it’s likely dead. A viable seed will resist light pressure.

Float test (with caution)

Place your seed in a glass of room-temperature water. If it sinks after a few hours, it may be viable. If it floats indefinitely, it could be dead — but not always. This test isn't 100% reliable, especially for fresh, lightweight seeds.

Best practices to store marijuana seeds

Use airtight containers

Choose containers that are airtight and moisture-proof, such as:

• Glass jars with silicone seals

• Vacuum-sealed bags

• Blacked-out plastic containers

Keep them closed as much as possible to reduce exposure to oxygen and humidity.

Store in a cool, dark place

Ideal storage spots include:

• Refrigerators (in a humidity-controlled drawer)

• Closets or drawers in cool rooms

• Wine fridges set to low temperatures

Avoid places with fluctuating temperatures, like kitchens or near electronics.

Never freeze your seeds unless they’re vacuum-sealed and properly dried. Ice crystals can destroy the internal cells of the seed.

Add silica packets

Throw in a desiccant like a silica gel pack to control humidity inside the container. This helps prevent mould or rot.

Label everything

If you’re storing multiple strains, always label with:

• Strain name

• Date of storage

• Seed type (feminised, autoflower, regular)

This avoids confusion down the road and lets you track the age of your genetics.

Can cannabis seeds be revived?

You can’t bring back dead seeds, but you can try to coax weak or dormant seeds into germination with a few advanced techniques:

• Pre-soak with fulvic acid or seaweed extract

• Use a propagation heating mat to stimulate metabolic activity

• Scarify carefully if the shell seems too hard for moisture to enter

• Split the seed slightly (only for experienced growers and as a last resort)

However, these methods won’t help if the seed has completely degraded — in that case, it’s best to replace it.

If your seeds are old and you're unsure about their viability, explore our fresh autoflower seeds for fast and easy results.

Why do some seeds go bad faster?

Environmental stress during storage

Poor storage is the #1 reason seeds go bad. High humidity, warm temperatures, or exposure to UV light accelerates degradation.

Weak genetics

Not all seeds are created equal. Low-quality genetics or rushed breeding practices result in seeds that don’t mature properly, making them more fragile and short-lived.

That’s why sourcing from a reputable breeder matters. All seeds at Mavericks Genetics are handled, stored, and shipped under strict quality control.

Frequent handling

Opening the container too often or touching seeds with bare hands can introduce moisture, oils, and bacteria — which can spoil or infect seeds over time.

How to rotate and manage your seed stock

If you're building a personal seed bank, it’s essential to:

• Date each batch of seeds upon arrival

• Use older seeds first to reduce waste

• Reorder fresh genetics for backup

• Track germination success rates to monitor declining viability

You can organise your strains using labelled containers and divide them by type: feminised, regular, or high-THC genetics, depending on your grow plans.

Summary: can marijuana seeds go bad?

Yes, cannabis seeds can go bad — but with proper storage, they can remain viable for years.

Here’s a quick recap:

Keep your genetics fresh and reliable

Don’t take chances with your next grow. For strong germination rates and predictable performance, always:

• Store your seeds correctly

• Rotate older stock first

• Use feminised or autoflower seeds to ensure consistent results

• Source from a trusted seed bank

At Mavericks Genetics, we offer a wide range of premium marijuana seeds, all carefully selected and handled to maximise shelf life and performance.