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Harvesting Cannabis: Key Factors You Must Consider

18.04.2023 0

The Importance of Harvesting

The process of harvesting cannabis plants is a crucial step in the cultivation cycle that requires careful attention and precise timing. The importance of harvesting cannot be overstated, as it can make the difference between high-quality buds that deliver a smooth, flavorful smoke and buds that are harsh, lacking in potency, and unappealing to the senses.

Harvesting involves removing the mature buds from the plant and then drying and curing them to remove moisture and improve the overall flavor and aroma. Several factors must be considered when it comes to harvesting, such as trichomes, pistil color, the age of the plant, yield goals, and environmental factors.

To ensure the highest possible quality of the buds, it is essential to have a good understanding of the maturity markers and harvest times. If plants are harvested too early, they will not have fully developed trichomes, leading to less potent buds. Similarly, if harvested too late, the trichomes can begin to degrade, leading to less desirable buds.

Harvesting at the perfect time will also help you get the most out of your plants regarding yield. Additionally, harvesting plants promptly can prevent pests and molds from developing on the entire crop.

The drying and curing process is also equally important as proper harvesting. Proper curing lets your trimmed, dried buds continue to break down remaining chlorophyll and remove excess sugars in the flowers. When undergoing the curing process, buds’ terpene profile is enhanced, creating a more aromatic and the beneficial plant oils become more apparent. For best results in harvest quality and yield, a grower should ensure they carry out a careful and timely harvest followed by superior curing techniques.

Factors to Consider for Harvesting Cannabis

Before harvesting cannabis, there are several important factors that growers must take into consideration in order to achieve the best possible yield and quality of buds. Harvesting at the right time can make all the difference in the potency, flavor, and aroma of the final product. Factors such as trichome development, pistil color, plant age, yield goals, and environmental factors can all impact the timing of the harvest. In this section, we will delve into these factors in more detail and explore how they can affect when and how to harvest cannabis.

1. Trichomes

Trichomes are one of the most important factors to consider when harvesting cannabis. These tiny, hair-like structures cover the buds and leaves of the plant and contain the vast majority of its psychoactive compounds, such as THC and CBD. Monitoring the trichomes can give you great insight into the potency of your harvest.

To properly evaluate the trichomes, you will need a magnifying glass or a microscope. You can observe these tiny structures using the following characteristics:

• Color: Trichomes start off clear, become cloudy, and then eventually turn amber as they mature. A clear trichome denotes that the plant has not yet achieved maximum potency, while an amber trichome suggests the plant may have surpassed its peak potency level. Cloudy trichomes indicate a balanced, optimal time for harvesting.
• Size: The size of the trichomes is another important consideration. When they are fully mature, trichomes will be bulbous and swollen.
• Density: The density of the trichomes also plays a crucial role in determining when to harvest. The more densely packed the trichomes are, the more potent the buds are likely to be.

Overall, harvesting cannabis based on the trichomes is one of the most reliable ways to ensure that you achieve the desired potency and flavor profile in your buds. However, it is important to remember that the trichomes are just one factor to consider, and you should also take into account the other factors listed in this article before making a final decision on when to harvest.

2. Pistil Color

One important factor to consider for harvesting cannabis is the color of the pistils. Pistils, which are the hair-like structures on the buds, can give insight into the maturity of the plant.

When the plant is still in its vegetative stage, the pistils are usually white or cream-colored. As the plant enters its flowering stage, the pistils will continue to grow and change color. They will first turn a light orange color and then gradually darken to a deep orange or even red color. This color change indicates that the plant is reaching maturity and is ready for harvesting.

However, it is important to note that the color of the pistils alone should not be the only factor considered when deciding whether to harvest. The color of the buds, as well as the trichomes, also play a significant role in determining maturity.

If the pistils are still white or light in color, the plant is likely not ready for harvesting yet. On the other hand, if the pistils have turned a deep orange or red, it may be a sign of over-maturity and the plant may have already passed its optimal harvesting period.

It’s important to keep a close eye on the pistil color, but also to take other factors into consideration before harvesting. It’s recommended to evaluate the overall plant appearance, trichomes, age of the plant, and yield goals before determining the optimal harvesting period.

3. Age of the Plant

One of the factors that is critical when determining the optimal time to harvest cannabis is the age of the plant. Different strains of cannabis have varying growth rates, meaning that the age at which harvesting is ideal may differ from one plant to another.

Factors to consider when looking at the age of the plant include:

It’s important to note that the age of the plant should not be the sole determining factor when deciding to harvest. Other factors such as trichome color, overall plant appearance, and variable environmental factors may also come into play. Careful consideration of all these factors is necessary to ensure the best possible harvest.

4. Yield Goals

One important factor to consider when harvesting cannabis is yield goals. This involves deciding how much cannabis you want to harvest from each plant. The yield of cannabis plants can be affected by various factors such as genetics, growing conditions, and harvesting techniques.

Deciding on your yield goals upfront will help you determine the best time to harvest your plants, as well as the necessary resources and equipment needed to achieve your desired yield.

To help you better understand how different yield goals can impact your harvest, see the table below:

As you can see from the table, the yield goals that you set will impact the overall harvest time and required trichome color. Those aiming for a higher yield and looking to harvest larger plants will need to wait until there are more amber trichomes present. Those who are happy with less yield can harvest earlier when trichomes are mostly cloudy.

Ultimately, your yield goals should be informed by your experience level, resources, and personal preferences. With this information in mind, you can harvest your cannabis plants with confidence and achieve the desired yield.

5. Environmental Factors

When it comes to harvesting cannabis, it’s important to take into account factors beyond just the appearance of the plant. Environmental factors can play a crucial role in determining the optimal time for harvesting. Below is a table outlining some key environmental factors to consider.

By taking these environmental factors into consideration, the quality and potency of the cannabis can be maximized. It’s important to create an optimal environment for the plant to thrive in order to achieve the best possible outcome during the harvesting process.

When to Harvest Cannabis

One of the biggest challenges faced by cannabis growers is determining the optimal time to harvest their plants. The right timing can make all the difference in the quality and potency of the final product. There are key factors that can help you determine when it’s time to harvest your cannabis plants. Let’s take a closer look at some factors to consider when determining when to harvest your cannabis.

1. Trichome Color

The color of trichomes is one of the most important factors to consider when harvesting cannabis plants. Trichomes are tiny, hair-like structures that grow on the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. These structures are responsible for producing and storing the cannabinoids and terpenes that give cannabis its unique effects and flavors.

Here are some things to look for when examining trichome color:

• The trichomes should be clear or cloudy.
• Trichomes that are clear are not yet mature and will not produce the full range of effects that the plant is capable of.
• Trichomes that are cloudy are at their peak potency.
• Trichomes that have turned amber or brown indicate that the plant is past its peak and may not have as potent effects.
• The ratio of clear to cloudy trichomes can also be an indicator of when to harvest.
• If the majority of the trichomes are still clear, it may be too early to harvest.
• If the majority of the trichomes are cloudy, the plant is at its peak and should be harvested soon.
• If the majority of the trichomes have turned amber or brown, the plant may be past its peak and should be harvested immediately to avoid reduced potency.

Keep in mind that trichome color is just one factor to consider when harvesting cannabis. It’s important to also examine other factors such as pistil color and overall plant appearance to ensure that the plant is harvested at the optimal time for the desired effects and yield.

2. Pistil Color

When it comes to harvesting cannabis, pistil color is another important factor that needs to be considered. Pistils are the hair-like structures that grow on the calyxes of the female cannabis plant. Initially, these pistils are white in color and stick straight up. As the plant matures, the color of the pistils changes from white to reddish-brown.

Here are some things to keep in mind regarding pistil color:

• When the pistils are still mostly white, it is too early to harvest the cannabis. This could result in lower yields and lower potency levels.
• When the pistils have turned mostly red or brown, this is an indication that the plant is ready for harvest. Waiting too long after this point can result in a decrease in potency levels.
• It is important to note that not all strains of cannabis will have pistils that turn the same color. Some strains may have pistils that turn pink, purple, or even blue. It is important to know what the natural color of the pistils for your specific strain should be.
• In addition to the color of the pistils, the overall appearance of the plant should also be taken into consideration when determining if it is ready for harvest. This includes looking at the trichomes and the age of the plant.

Pistil color is just one of the many factors that need to be considered when harvesting cannabis. By paying attention to the color of the pistils, growers can ensure that they are harvesting their cannabis at the optimal time for maximum yield and potency levels.

3. Overall Plant Appearance

When it comes to harvesting cannabis, the overall appearance of the plant is a crucial factor to consider.

Here are some key aspects to consider:

• Bud Development: Observe the plant’s bud development. Harvesting the plant before the buds have matured may result in less yield and potency. On the other hand, leaving the buds too long on the plant may lead to over-maturity and reduced yield as well. It’s important to find the right balance.
• Color: Examine the color of the leaves, stems, and buds. The leaves should have a healthy green color, while the stems and buds should have the right color. The buds should be dense and covered in trichomes, rather than being airy or light. Additionally, buds should not have any discoloration or spotted areas.
• Odor: Smell is another way to determine cannabis maturity and readiness for harvest. The buds should have a strong, distinct aroma that is indicative of its strain. Only harvest when the plant gives off the desired aroma.
• Plant Structure: Check the plant’s structure as well. It should be healthy with leaves and stems intact, no yellow or brown leaves. The buds should have a plump and dense structure, signifying the accumulation of cannabinoids.
• Trichomes: Last but not least, the trichomes’ appearance is essential to determine when to harvest. Trichomes look like tiny mushroom heads and should be milky and translucent or amber in color, depending on your preference.

By considering these different factors, you can ensure that the plant is at its peak maturity and ready for harvesting. A cannabis plant that has been allowed to reach optimal maturity will translate to higher yields and better quality buds.

4. Timeframe from Seedling to Harvest

When considering the timeframe from seedling to harvest, it’s important to understand that different strains of cannabis have varying growth times. Indica strains typically have a shorter growing time, while sativa strains can take longer to mature. Here is a table that outlines the approximate timeframe for various strains:

It’s important to note that these timeframes are just approximate and can vary based on growing conditions, such as temperature and humidity. Additionally, some growers may choose to extend the flowering time to achieve a higher THC content or a different flavor profile.

It’s crucial to keep track of the plant’s growth and progress regularly. This can be done by monitoring and documenting the plant’s height, foliage, and overall health. This information can help determine when the plant is ready for harvest.

In addition to strain and growth time, it’s also essential to consider the growing method used. If the plant was grown indoors or outdoors, the environmental conditions may have affected the maturity of the plant. Indoor plants, for example, may mature faster due to controlled lighting and temperature conditions.

The timeframe from seedling to harvest is an important factor to consider when determining when to harvest cannabis. By monitoring the plant growth and factors mentioned above, growers can ensure they achieve the desired yield and potency of their cannabis plants.

How to Harvest Cannabis

As the time for harvesting cannabis approaches, it is important to know the correct techniques for harvesting to ensure that you get the best quality buds with the highest levels of THC. Proper harvesting can also impact the potency and flavor profile of your cannabis. In this section, we will discuss the steps that you need to take to harvest your cannabis plants correctly, from the pre-harvest preparation to drying and curing. These steps will ensure that you get the most out of your harvest and maximize the quality of your buds.

1. Pre-harvest Preparation

Before it’s time to harvest your cannabis plants, there are several steps you should take to prepare for the process. Proper pre-harvest preparation ensures that the cannabis plants are healthy, free of contaminants, and at the ideal stage for harvesting.

1. Flush the Plant: Before harvesting, it is crucial to flush the plant for at least one week. This means only watering the plant with pH-balanced water, without any added nutrients. Flushing removes any excess salts, which can make the buds harsh and less flavorful.

2. Check for Contaminants: It is also essential to check the cannabis plants for any contaminants, such as pests or mold. Any plants infected with mold should be discarded. Pests can be treated with insecticides or other remedies.

3. Dehumidify the Room: The room in which the plants will be harvested should be kept at a low humidity, around 40-50%. This helps prevent mold and ensures that the buds dry properly.

4. Plan your Time: Plan your harvest time to coincide with a period where you will have enough time to dedicate to the process. Harvesting cannabis requires a significant amount of time, so make sure to plan accordingly.

To summarize, pre-harvest preparation is essential for ensuring that the cannabis plants are healthy and free of contaminants, and that the buds are at an ideal stage for harvesting. Flushing the plant, checking for contaminants, dehumidifying the room, and planning your time are all factors to consider before the harvesting process can begin.

2. Harvest Tools

Harvesting cannabis requires the use of specialized tools to ensure that the buds are not damaged and the trichomes remain intact. Using the wrong tools can crush the trichomes and reduce the potency of the final product. Here are some essential tools needed for a successful harvest:

Using the right tools will make the harvesting process efficient and successful. For example, using scissors with dull blades can damage the buds and make the trimming process more difficult. Wearing gloves keeps the buds clean and free from contamination. Using a drying rack ensures that the buds dry evenly and maintain their potency and flavor. It is important to invest in quality tools to ensure a high-quality harvest.

3. Harvesting Process

To ensure the best quality of cannabis, the harvesting process must be done properly. Here are the steps to follow during the harvesting process:

Step 1: Choose the right time to harvest

Harvesting cannabis at the right time is crucial to ensure maximum potency and yield. Refer to the previous section on factors to consider when deciding when to harvest. Once you have determined the right time, it’s time to proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Cut the plants down

Using sharp pruning shears, cut the plants down at the base of the stem. If possible, leave a little length of stem attached to the buds to make it easier to handle them during the drying process.

Step 3: Remove large fan leaves

After cutting the plant down, remove large fan leaves from the branches. These leaves don’t have trichomes and don’t produce any significant resin, so they won’t add any potency or flavor to your cannabis buds.

Step 4: Trim the remaining leaves

Carefully trim the remaining leaves close to the flower buds. These leaves will have trichomes and should not be discarded. You can use them to make edibles or concentrates later.

Step 5: Hang up your bud for drying

Hang your trimmed buds upside down in a cool, dry, and dark room with good air circulation. Maintain the room’s temperature between 60 and 70°F, and the humidity level between 45-55%. Leave the buds to dry until the stems snap, and the buds feel dry, but still slightly sticky.

Step 6: Cure your buds

Once the buds are dry, it’s time to cure them. Place the dried buds in an airtight container, like a mason jar, and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Open the container once a day, for 5-10 minutes, to allow some fresh air inside. Repeat this process for at least four weeks to allow the buds to cure properly, resulting in a smooth smoke and better flavor.

Following these steps, you will get high-quality cannabis that tastes great and produces a long-lasting, potent effect.

4. Drying and Curing Process

After harvesting cannabis, the next step is to properly dry and cure the buds. This process is crucial to maintain the quality and potency of the final product. Below is a table outlining the different steps involved in drying and curing cannabis:

Proper drying and curing can greatly enhance the quality of the final product, so it is important to take the time and care needed for this process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several factors to consider when it comes to successfully harvesting cannabis. It is important to monitor the trichomes and pistil color, as well as the age of the plant and yield goals. Environmental factors also play a role, such as temperature and humidity levels.

When it comes to determining the right time to harvest, evaluating the trichome color, pistil color, overall plant appearance, and timeframe from seedling to harvest can all be helpful indicators.

Harvesting cannabis requires careful preparation, including having the right tools and following a specific process to ensure the best results. Once the plant is harvested, the drying and curing process is crucial to achieve the desired potency and flavor profile.

By keeping all of these factors in mind and following proper practices, growers can set themselves up for a successful cannabis harvest. The end result will be a high-quality product that is sure to satisfy both recreational and medical users alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know when my cannabis plant is ready for harvesting?

You can tell when your cannabis plant is ready for harvesting by considering factors such as trichome color, pistil color, overall plant appearance, and the duration since germination.

2. Can I harvest my cannabis plant before it fully matures?

While it might be tempting to harvest your cannabis plant before it matures, doing so will affect the quality and potency of the buds. It is advisable to wait until the plant is fully matured before harvesting.

3. What are trichomes, and why are they important for harvesting?

Trichomes are the tiny, hair-like structures on the cannabis plant that produce and store cannabinoids and terpenes. Monitoring their color is important to ensure that your buds have the right potency and flavor.

4. Should I consider the weather when harvesting my cannabis plant?

Yes, you should consider the weather when harvesting your cannabis plant. High humidity or rain can make it challenging to dry and cure your buds, which can affect the overall quality of your product.

5. What are the ideal tools to use when harvesting cannabis?

When harvesting cannabis, you will need sharp trimming scissors, gloves, a drying rack, a tray, and brown paper bags. A magnifying glass can also be useful in assessing trichome color.

6. Can I harvest my cannabis plant in phases?

You can harvest your cannabis plant in phases if you prefer. However, bear in mind that harvesting your plant in stages will affect the overall yield and potency of your buds.

7. How long should I cure my harvested buds?

The curing process typically takes between two to four weeks. However, depending on your preference, you can cure your buds for as long as six months to enhance their flavor and potency.

8. Will harvesting my cannabis plant affect its potency?

Harvesting your cannabis plant at the right time is crucial to ensure that the buds have the right potency. Harvesting too early or too late can affect the potency of the buds.

9. Can I dry my harvested buds in the sun?

No, drying your harvested buds in the sun can degrade their potency and flavor. The best way to dry your buds is by hanging them in a cool, dry, and dark room with proper ventilation.

10. What can I do if I notice mold on my harvested buds?

If you notice mold on your harvested buds, you should dispose of them immediately as they can be harmful when smoked or consumed. In the future, ensure that you take the necessary measures to prevent mold growth during the growing, harvesting, and curing process.

References

• 10 Harvesting and Post-Harvest Tips
• Cannabis cultivation – Wikipedia