Contents
Learn the answer to the question, “When is Cannabis Ready for Harvest?” by following these best practices.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
The process of growing cannabis is a long and difficult one, but it is also a very rewarding experience. After several months of care and dedication, you will finally be able to reap the rewards of your hard work. But, before you can start celebrating, you need to make sure that your cannabis plants are actually ready for harvest.
There are several factors that you need to take into account when determining whether or not your plants are ready for harvest. The most important factor is the maturity of the buds. You will also need to consider the trichome development, the color of the pistils, and the overall health of the plant.
If you are unsure about any of these factors, it is always best to err on the side of caution and wait a few more days before harvesting your plants. Better late than never!
The Different Stages of Cannabis Growth
Cannabis growth can be divided into four different stages. The first stage is known as the vegetative stage. This is when the plant is growing leaves and roots, and it can last for several weeks. The second stage is known as the flowering stage. This is when the plant begins to produce flowers, and it can last for several weeks. The third stage is known as the ripening stage. This is when the plant begins to produce buds, and it can last for several weeks. The fourth and final stage is known as the harvest stage. This is when the plant is ready to be harvested, and it can last for several weeks.
The Seedling Stage
The seedling stage is when your cannabis plant first germinates, or sprouts from its seed. For the first week or two of life, your plant will be entirely focused on developing a strong root system. At this stage, it’s important to keep your Seedling well-watered but not waterlogged, and to provide it with a steady source of light. Many growers use fluorescent tube bulbs during the Seedling Stage, as they give off very little heat and won’t scorch your plants.
Once your cannabis plant has developed a strong root system, it will begin to develop its first set of “true leaves.” These are the familiar cannabis leaves that we all know and love, and their appearance signals the beginning of the Vegetative Stage.
The Vegetative Stage
The vegetative stage of cannabis growth is when the plant is not flowering. For cannabis, the vegetative stage begins when the plant germinates from its seed. Once the cannabis seed has germinated, the small seedling will develop a taproot that will grow downward in search of water. Once the taproot has found water, it will begin to produce lateral roots that will grow outward in search of more nutrients and anchor the plant in place.Once the plant has developed a good root system, it will begin to produce leaves and will start to grow upward towards the sun. Cannabis plants can remain in the vegetative stage for any length of time, but most growers prefer to keep their plants in this stage for 4-8 weeks before starting the flowering stage.
The Flowering Stage
The flowering stage is when the cannabis plant grows its buds. This is the most crucial time for growers, as it will determine how much yields they get and the quality of their final product. The flowering stage usually lasts around 6-8 weeks, but it can vary depending on the strain and growing conditions.
During this time, growers will need to keep a close eye on their plants and make sure they are getting the right amount of light, nutrients, and water. If any of these elements are off, it can result in poor bud growth or even no buds at all.
The Ripening Stage
The final stage of cannabis growth is ripening. This is when the buds on the plant mature and begin to produce resinous crystals (or trichomes). Once the majority of the pistils on the buds have started to turn brown, ripening has likely begun.
During this stage, it is important to keep a close eye on your plants. As they mature, they will begin to produce less energy and may even start to die back. However, as long as you continue to provide them with nutrients and water, they should be fine.
Once ripening has begun, it can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks for the buds to fully mature. Again, this will depend on the strain of cannabis and growing conditions. As a general rule of thumb, indica strains tend to mature faster than sativas.
Once the buds have reached full maturity, they are ready for harvest!
How to Tell When Cannabis is Ready for Harvest
One of the most important things you need to know when growing cannabis is when to harvest your crop. You don’t want to harvest too early or too late, as this can impact the quality of your buds. But how can you tell when cannabis is ready for harvest? Here are a few things to look for.
Trichomes
Cannabis growers keep a very close eye on their crops during the flowering stage, eagerly awaiting the day when their plants are ready for harvest. But how can you tell when your cannabis is ready to be harvested? The answer lies in the trichomes.
Trichomes are tiny, hair-like structures that cover the surface of the cannabis plant. They are responsible for producing the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes, which give cannabis its flavor and smell. Under a microscope, trichomes look like tiny mushrooms with bulbous heads.
The color of the trichomes is one of the best indicators of when to harvest your cannabis plants. When they are clear or milky white, it means that the THC levels are low and the plant is not yet ready to harvest. However, if the trichomes have turned amber or brown, it means that THC levels are at their peak and the plant is ready to harvest.
Another way to tell if your cannabis is ready for harvest is by looking at the pistils, which are the small, sticky hairs that cover the surface of the plant. In early flowering, these hairs will be white or pale green in color. As the plant matures, they will turn red, orange or brown. Once about 60-70% of the pistils have changed color, it is time to harvest your plants!
Pistils
One of the most accurate ways to tell if your cannabis is ready for harvest is by looking at the pistils. Pistils are the tiny “hairs” that sticks out of the buds. At the beginning of the flowering stage, these hairs are white. As time goes on, they will slowly turn red, orange, or brown.
The color change is caused by a maturity in the THC glands. When about 70% of the pistils have changed color, your cannabis is most likely ready for harvest. Keep in mind that this number can vary depending on the strain you are growing.
You can also estimate when to harvest by looking at the trichomes. Trichomes are the tiny crystals that cover the leaves and buds of your plant. They produce THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids that give cannabis its unique effects. To check your trichomes, you will need a jewelers loop or microscope.
When they are ready for harvest, most trichomes will be milky white with a few amber ones mixed in. If more than 50% of your trichomes have turned amber, your cannabis is probably overripe and will have more sedative effects.
The Color of the Leaves
The color of the leaves can give you a good indication of when your cannabis is ready for harvest. The leaves will begin to turn yellow or brown as they start to die off. This is caused by a lack of chlorophyll production and is a good indicator that the plant is nearing the end of its life cycle. Make sure to check the leaves regularly so you can determine when they are beginning to change color.
Conclusion
After weeks or even months of carefully nurturing your cannabis plants, it’s finally time to harvest the fruits of your labor. But how do you know when your plants are ready?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. The answer depends on a number of factors, including the type of cannabis you are growing, the climate in which you are growing it, and your personal preferences.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you determine when to harvest your cannabis plants:
-The color of the pistils (the small hairs that protrude from the buds) is one indication of ripeness. As the plants mature, the pistils will change color from white to orange or red.
-The trichomes (the tiny crystals that cover the buds) are another indicator of ripeness. When viewed through a magnifying glass, trichomes will appear clear at first, then turn milky white or amber as the plant matures. Amber trichomes indicate that the THC levels in the plant are high and that the plant is ready for harvest.
-Another way to gauge ripeness is by smell. As cannabis plants mature, they will develop a stronger smell. If you think your plants are ready for harvest, give them a sniff and see what you think!
Ultimately, only you can decide when to harvest your cannabis plants. Use these guidelines as a starting point, but trust your instincts and go with what feels right for you!
