Cannabis cultivation harvest time: When and how to harvest cannabis? – Harvest is the highlight of any cannabis grow. After weeks or even months of care and attention, you finally reach the point where your plants are ready to release their precious buds. But when exactly is the right time to harvest? And how do you go about maximizing the quality and potency of your buds? Get back to all cannabis growing tips here. No time to wait? Then go directly to our store here.
When is the right time to harvest?
The right harvest time is crucial to ensure the full potency and best aroma of your flowers.
Harvest your plants too early and you risk producing less potent buds. If you wait too long, the THC in the buds can break down and the effect will be sedative rather than energizing. To determine the optimal harvest time, it is important to closely observe the trichomes – tiny resin crystals on the flowers. These crystals change color as they mature, and their color gives you an indication of when the plant is ready for harvest.
Indicators for the time of harvest:
Trichomes: When the trichomes are milky white, they have reached their peak. When they turn a light amber color, it means that the THC content has reached its highest point.
Pistils (pistils): The small hairs on the flowers change color from white to brown. When about 70-90% of the pistils are brown, this is a good time for harvesting.
Overall appearance of the plant: The plant looks “mature” overall – the leaves may start to turn yellow and the flowers are dense and resinous.
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How do you check the trichomes?
The trichomes are the best indicator of the harvest time. These small resin crystals contain the valuable cannabinoids and terpenes that are responsible for the effect and aroma of cannabis. To check the color and condition of the trichomes, you will need a pocket microscope or a magnifying glass with at least 60x magnification. Observe the color of the trichomes regularly to make sure you don’t miss the optimal time. The trichomes change from clear to milky and then to amber, and each of these phases affects the effect of the flowers.
Trichome color phases:
Of course: the flowers are still unripe. It is still too early to harvest.
Milky: The trichomes have maximized their THC content. Ideal for a balanced, powerful effect.
Amber in color: The THC content decreases slightly, but the effect becomes more relaxing. Perfect for indica-dominant strains or a more sedative high.
Once you have determined the optimal harvest time, it is time to cut the flowers. This must be done carefully and meticulously to preserve the quality of the flowers. The process of harvesting begins with cutting the plants and ends with drying andcuring the buds, which is crucial for improving flavor and potency. Harvesting should be done in a clean, well-ventilated area to avoid mold growth and loss of quality.
Steps to the harvest:
Cut the plants: Cut the plant right at the base to harvest the whole plant, or cut the individual branches if you’re harvesting piecemeal.
Remove leaves: Remove the larger fan leaves as they have no significant THC content. Leave the smaller leaves surrounding the buds as they contain more resin.
Cut off the flowers: Carefully cut the flowers from the branches, taking care not to damage them.
There are two common methods for trimming the flowers: “wet trimming” and “dry trimming”. With wet trimming, you remove the leaves immediately after cutting the plant. With dry trimming, you allow the plant to dry first before removing the leaves. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and which one you choose depends on your personal preference and the environment in which you dry the flowers.
Difference between wet and dry trimming:
Wet trimming: Remove the leaves directly after trimming. This method is quicker, but the flowers dry faster, which can affect the flavor.
Dry trimming: Allow the plant to dry first and then remove the leaves. This method often preserves the aroma and potency better, but requires more time.
After cutting and trimming, drying the flowers is the next crucial step. Drying makes it possible to remove excess moisture from the flowers without destroying the cannabinoids and terpenes. The flowers should be hung in a dark, well-ventilated room at a temperature of around 18-22°C and a humidity of 45-55%. It is important that this process takes place slowly and evenly to prevent mold growth and to preserve the full flavor and potency of the flowers.
Tips for correct drying:
Hang the flowers upside down on a washing line or a drying net.
The room temperature should be between 18-22°C, with a humidity of 45-55%.
The flowers should dry for 7-14 days until they are crispy to the touch but the stalks are still slightly flexible.
Curing is the final but crucial step in maximizing the quality of your buds. Curing breaks down excess sugars and chlorophyll, which improves the flavor and provides a smooth smoking experience. After the flowers are dried, they are stored in airtight containers at cool temperatures. This process can take several weeks, and you should open the jars daily to let in fresh air and remove any residual moisture.
Steps to curing:
Place the dried flowers in airtight jars or containers.
Store the containers in a cool, dark place at around 18-22°C.
Open the jars daily for 10-13 minutes to let in fresh air and ventilate the flowers.
Curing takes at least 2-4 weeks, but can also take longer to further improve the taste.
Harvest time is a critical moment in the cannabis growing process. To realize the full potential of your plants, it is crucial to determine the right time to harvest and to carefully cut, dry and cure the flowers.
By paying attention to the trichomes and pistils, you can ensure that your flowers reach their maximum potency and best flavor.
Continue with part 6: Drying cannabis
After you have successfully guided your cannabis plants through the growth and flowering phase and the harvest is imminent, two further important steps are crucial to ensure the full quality and potency of your flowers: drying and curing.
Part 6: Drying flowers & grafting (curing)
Growing cannabis at home: Our tips
Growing cannabis can be an incredibly rewarding experience if you follow the right steps. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, there’s always something new to learn, and with patience and care, you’ll be rewarded in the end. Make sure to take good care of your plants and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
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Harvest your plants too early and you risk producing less potent buds. If you wait too long, the THC in the buds can break down and the effect will be sedative rather than energizing. To determine the optimal harvest time, it is important to closely observe the trichomes – tiny resin crystals on the flowers. These crystals change color as they mature, and their color gives you an indication of when the plant is ready for harvest.
