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It’s crucial to know when to harvest your cannabis plants. Here are some tips to help you determine when your plants are ready to be harvested.
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Introduction
One of the most frequently asked questions from cannabis growers is “when do I harvest my plants?” The answer, like most things related to cannabis cultivation, is “it depends.”
There are a few factors that you need to take into account when deciding when to harvest your cannabis plants. The most important factor is the strain of cannabis that you are growing. Some strains will be ready to harvest in as little as 8 weeks, while others may take up to 16 weeks.
Another important factor is the size of your plants. If you are growing smaller plants, they will generally mature faster than larger plants. Similarly, if you are growing in a smaller space (such as a closet or cabinet), your plants will also mature faster due to the increased level of stress they are under.
Finally, the amount of light your plants are getting will also affect their maturity. If you are growing under 24 hours of light (a “photoperiod”), your plants will take longer to mature than if you are growing under 18 hours of light (an “auto-flowering” schedule).
Once you have considered all of these factors, you can begin to look for signs that your plant is mature and ready to harvest. The first sign is typically the color of the pistils (the tiny hairs that grow on the buds). When pistils turn from white to brown or red, this is an indication that the plant is maturing.
Another sign that your plant is ready to harvest is the color of the trichomes (the tiny crystals that cover the buds). When trichomes turn from clear to milky white, this means that THC levels are peaking and it is time to harvest. You can check the trichomes by using a magnifying glass or microscope.
If you are unsure whether or not your plant is ready to harvest, err on the side of caution and wait a few more days. It is better to wait a little longer and harvested slightly under ripe buds than it is to harvest too early and miss out on peak THC levels.
The flowering stage
The flowering stage is when the plant grows pistils and Stamens and produce flowers. The flowers mature and eventually produce seeds. The length of the flowering stage depends on the cannabis strain but is generally between 6-8 weeks. Most growers start to harvest when about 50-70% of the pistils have turned brown.
The ripening stage
The ripening stage is when the flowers on the female plant mature and are ready to harvest. The length of time it takes for cannabis to ripen can vary depending on the strain, but it is typically between 6 and 8 weeks. Once the flowers have reached maturity, they will begin to produce a sticky resin that contains high levels of THC.
To determine whether your plants are ready to harvest, you will need to inspect the trichomes (the tiny hairs) that cover the flowers. If the trichomes are clear or white, this means that the THC levels are low and the plant is not yet ready to harvest. If the trichomes are starting to turn amber or brown, this means that the THC levels are high and the plant is ripe for harvest.
It is important to remember that all cannabis plants are different, so it is best to check your plants frequently during the ripening stage in order to ensure that you harvest them at just the right time.
Trichomes
The best way to determine when to harvest your cannabis plants is by examining the trichomes. These are the tiny, clear to white crystals that cover the buds and leaves of the plant. Under high magnification, you will see that they are shaped like mushrooms with a bulbous head and a thin stem. As the plant matures, the trichomes will change color from clear to white and eventually to amber. The color change is an indication of wax production and THC degradation.
You can begin harvesting your plants when the trichomes are mostly clear or white. If you wait too long, the THC will begin to degrade and you will lose some of the potency of your crop. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of early rather than late harvesting. You can always go back and harvest more if needed.
How to harvest your cannabis plants
The process of harvesting cannabis plants is a delicate one. To get the most out of your harvest, it is important to know when to harvest your plants. The best time to harvest your plants is when the trichomes on the buds are milky or clear.
Timing
The time it takes for your cannabis plant to mature and be ready for harvest can vary depending on the strain you are growing. The average time from seed to harvest is between 3-4 months, but some strains can take up to 6 months. This is why it is important to start with quality genetics from a reputable source.
You will also need to factor in the amount of time it takes for your plants to dry and cure after harvest. Drying and curing cannabis properly is essential for preserving the quality and potency of your buds. Drying can take 7-14 days, while curing can take up to 8 weeks.
The best way to determine when your plants are ready for harvest is to use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to closely inspect the trichomes (resin glands) on the buds. Trichomes contain the majority of the plant’s cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, CBN, etc. When they are fully mature, they will appear white or milky in color. If they are still clear or amber in color, then the plant is not yet ready for harvest.
Tools
You will need a few tools to get started:
-A sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears
-A magnifying glass
-A notebook and pen
Once you have gathered your supplies, you are ready to begin inspecting your plants.
Drying and curing
After you have harvested your plants, you will need to dry and cure the buds to preserve their potency, taste, and smell. The drying process takes around 10 days, and curing can last for several months.
For best results, hang your buds upside down in a dark, cool room with good airflow. You can then put them in mason jars or other airtight containers and store them in a cool, dark place. Check on your buds every few days to make sure they are drying evenly.
Once your buds are dry and have been cured for at least a month, they are ready to be enjoyed!
