Contents
It’s harvest time! Here are some tips on how to tell when your cannabis is ready to be harvested.
Checkout this video:
Trichomes
The key to a great harvest is in the trichomes . Trichomes are the tiny, crystal-like structures that cover the surface of the cannabis plant. They are what contain the plant’s cannabinoids, terpenes, and other medicinal compounds.
The Different Colors of Trichomes
Trichomes are the tiny, frosty crystals that cover the cannabis plant and contain its many active compounds, including THC, CBD, and terpenes. These compounds are what give each cannabis strain its unique smell, taste, and effects. Under a microscope, trichomes look like mushrooms with long slender stems and round bulbous heads. But to the naked eye, they appear as tiny hairs or crystals.
The different colors of trichomes indicate different stages of maturity. While there is no single perfect time to harvest cannabis, knowing when trichomes change color can help you determine when to harvest your plants for the strongest effects.
Clear or white:Clear or white trichomes indicate that the plant is still immature and not ready to be harvested. The THC content is also low at this stage.
Amber:Amber trichomes are a sign that the plant is nearing maturity and will soon be ready for harvest. The amber color is due to a chemical reaction that takes place as THC degrades into CBN. The THC content is also highest at this stage.
Brown: Brown trichomes are a sign that the plant is overripe and past its prime. The THC has degraded into CBN, which has sedative effects. The taste and smell of the buds may also be less pleasant at this stage.
How to Check Trichomes
All cannabis strains contain trichomes, though some have more than others. Trichomes are tiny, clear or milky-white glands that sit on the surface of the plant. They produce the cannabinoids and terpenes that give cannabis its unique smell and flavor, as well as its psychoactive effects.
While there are a few ways to check your plant’s trichomes, the most common is to use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe. Simply hold the lens up to a bud and take a close look. You should see small, white, hair-like structures. If they’re clear, it means the plant isn’t quite ready to harvest yet. If they’re milky white or amber in color, it means the plant is probably ready to harvest.
Pistils
All cannabis plants have pistils, which are the tiny hairs that protrude from the nodes on the plant. These pistils can give you a good indication of when your plant is ready to harvest. If the pistils are mostly white, that means the plant is probably ready. However, if the pistils are still mostly brown, the plant needs more time.
The Different Colors of Pistils
Cannabis pistils are the thin, silky hairs that grow from the nodes of a cannabis plant, and they’re often used by growers to gauge the maturity of their crop. But did you know that the color of a cannabis pistil can also give you valuable information about your plant?
The color of a pistil can give you an indicaion of when to harvest your plant. Here are the different colors of pistils and what they mean:
White: Early stage of maturity. The THC is not yet developed.
Orange: Mid-stage of maturity. The THC is starting to develop.
Red: Late stage of maturity. The THC is fully developed.
How to Check Pistils
Harvesting by pistils is probably the most common harvesting method. It’s easy and generally accurate. But, like all methods, it has its drawbacks. Namely, you won’t be able to tell how trichomes have developed and whether or not the plant has reached its maximum potency.
The best time to harvest is when about 70% of the pistils have darkened and curled inwards. The remaining 30% will continue to darken, but at a slower rate. If you wait too long, the cannabinoids will start to degrade and you’ll lose some of the plant’s potency.
How to Check Pistils:
1) Inspect your plants every day or two during the final weeks of flowering.
2) Use a magnifying glass to get a close-up look at the pistils.
3) Note how many have darkened and curled inwards.
4) When 70% of the pistils have darkened, it’s time to harvest!
Leaves
It can be difficult to know when to harvest your cannabis crop. The most important thing is to pay attention to the leaves. The leaves will tell you when the plant is ready to harvest. Look for leaves that are starting to turn yellow or brown. This is a sign that the plant is starting to die and is no longer producing cannabinoids.
The Different Colors of Leaves
The leaves of a cannabis plant can tell you a lot about the health of your plant. Not only that, but the color of the leaves can give you a good indication of when it’s time to harvest your crop.
Cannabis leaves usually start out light green and then they progress through a number of different colors as the plant matures. The most common colors are:
-Green
-Yellow
-Brown
-Red
As the plant gets closer to harvest, you may also see some purple or blue hues in the leaves.
How to Check Leaves
To determine if your cannabis leaves are healthy, start by examining their color. Look for leaves that are deep green in color with no spots or yellowing. If you see leaves that are discolored or have spots, this is an indication that something is wrong.
Next, check the leaves for signs of pests or disease.Look for tiny holes in the leaves, which could be caused by insect pests. You should also look for powdery mildew, which appears as a white powder on the leaves. If you see any of these signs, you will need to take action to correct the problem.
Finally, examine the leaves for signs of nutrient deficiencies. Look for yellowing between the leaf veins, which could be a sign of a nitrogen deficiency. If the leaves are pale green or yellow, this could be a sign of a phosphorus deficiency. If you see any of these signs, you will need to adjust your nutrient regimen accordingly.
