Contents
Get tips on when to harvest your cannabis seeds so you can enjoy a high-quality product.
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Introduction
The main thing to remember when deciding when to harvest your cannabis seeds is that they should be harvested when they are ripe. However, there are a few different factors that can influence when that ripe time is, which we will discuss in this article. Also, keep in mind that knowing how to harvest your cannabis seeds is just as important as knowing when to harvest them!
The flowering stage
Once your plants have reached the flowering stage, they will begin to produce flowers (or buds). The length of time it takes for these buds to mature and be ready for harvest can vary depending on the type of cannabis you are growing. Indica strains tend to mature faster than sativas, with most being ready to harvest within 8-10 weeks. Sativas, on the other hand, can take up to 12 weeks or longer to reach maturity.
The flowering stage is when your plants are producing the buds that you will eventually smoke, so it is very important to be aware of the signs that indicate they are ready for harvest. One of the most obvious signs is the appearance of pistils on the buds. These are the “hairs” that appear on cannabis buds and they change color as the plant matures. For example, white pistils usually indicate that a plant is not yet ready for harvest, while brown or orange pistils mean it is time to harvest.
Another way to tell if your buds are ready for harvest is by looking at the trichomes. These are the tiny crystals that cover the buds and they also change color as the plant matures. When they are clear or milky white, this indicates that the plant is not yet ready for harvest. When they turn amber or brown, this means that the plant is mature and should be harvested soon.
The best way to determine if your plants are ready for harvest is to use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to inspect the trichomes closely. This will allow you to get a close-up view of their color and also see how much oil has been produced (this oil contains THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids). If most of the trichomes are still clear/milky white with just a few amber/brown ones mixed in, then it is not yet time to harvest. However, if 50-75% of them have turned amber/brown, then it is time to start harvesting your plants!
Trichomes
Cannabis growers often harvest their crop based on the appearance of the trichomes, the tiny sparkling crystals that cover the buds and leaves. These trichomes contain high levels of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids, and when they’re ripe, they give the buds a frosty appearance.
You can begin harvesting when about 50-70% of the trichomes have changed color from clear to milky white. If you want a more potent product, wait until the majority of trichomes have turned amber. Keep in mind that THC levels will continue to increase even after harvest, so if you want to maximize potency, it’s best to err on the side of caution and harvest sooner rather than later.
Pistils
Women’s reproductive organs, called pistils, are the key to knowing when your plant is ready to harvest. At the base of each flower (bud), you’ll see white/red/brown hairs called pistils. These are actually part of the female plant’s reproductive system, and they absorb pollen from male plants during fertilization.
As flowering begins, the pistils begin to grow longer and change color as they absorb more and more pollen. Depending on the strain, the color change can happen quickly or slowly, but it’s a good indicator of how close your plant is to being ready for harvest.
If you want to maximize THC production, wait until 70-80% of the pistils have changed color before harvesting. If you want a more mellow effect with less THC, harvest when 50-60% of the pistils have changed color.
The harvesting process
It is important to know when to harvest your cannabis seeds. The harvesting process is not as simple as just picking the seeds off the plant. There are a few things you need to do in order to ensure you get a good harvest. Let’s take a look at what you need to do.
Timing
You will know when to harvest cannabis seeds when the pistils (the white hairs on the female plant) have started to turn red, brown, or black. Depending on the strain, this can happen anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks after planting.
If you want a more relaxed high, harvest your plants when about 60% of the pistils have changed color. For a more cerebral high, wait until 80-90% of the pistils have darkened.
You can also use a magnifying glass to get a closer look at the trichomes (the tiny crystals that cover the buds and leaves)on your plants. When these trichomes turn from clear to cloudy, it’s time to harvest.
Drying and curing
Drying and curing are the final steps of preparing your cannabis for consumption. After you’ve harvested your buds, you need to remove the remaining water content to prevent mold and preserve the THC. Drying happens first, and then curing takes place after.
Curing is an important step that allows the flavors and aromas of your weed to fully develop. It also gives you better control over the moisture content, preventing your buds from drying out too much or becoming too moist, which can lead to mold.
You can dry your buds by hanging them upside down in a dark, humid-free room with good air circulation. The ideal humidity level for curing is 60-65%. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your curing space.
After about a week, your buds should be dry to the touch but still slightly spongy. At this point, they can be transferred to mason jars or other airtight containers for curing.
Curing is simply a matter of storing your dried weed in airtight containers and opening them periodically to allow fresh air in. This process can take several weeks, but it’s worth it for the improved flavor and aroma of your final product.
