Now that marijuana is legal in many states, more and more people are growing their own plants. If you’re new to growing your own cannabis, you might be wondering when the best time to harvest your crop is.
Here’s a quick guide to help you determine when to harvest your marijuana plants.
The Different Stages of Marijuana Growth and When to Harvest
Marijuana plants go through three different stages of growth: the vegetative stage, the flowering stage, and the harvesting stage.
The vegetative stage is when the plant is growing and taking in nutrients. The flowering stage is when the plant starts to produce buds, and the harvesting stage is when you actually harvest the buds.
How to Tell When the Buds Are Ready for Harvesting
There are a few ways to tell when the buds are ready for harvesting. One way is to look at the color of the buds. The buds will start to turn from green to a light orange or yellow color when they’re ready for harvesting. You can also look at the size of the buds. The buds will be bigger and denser when they’re ready for harvesting.
Another way to tell is to look at the trichomes on the buds. The trichomes are the little white hairs that stick out of the buds. When the trichomes are cloudy, the buds are ready for harvesting. When the trichomes are clear, the buds are not ready for harvesting yet.
What Effects the Time of Harvest Has on the Potency and Flavor of the Buds
The time of harvest has a significant influence on the bud’s strength and flavor. Harvesting the buds early will result in a lower potency. The more you wait to harvest the buds, the more potent they will be. However, if you wait too long to pick them, the potency of the buds will begin to diminish.
As for the flavor, the earlier you harvest the buds, the more grassy they will taste. The later you harvest the buds, the more fruity they will taste.
When to Harvest Marijuana FAQ
What do trichomes look like when ready to harvest?
The trichomes are the white hairs that protrude from the buds. The buds are ripe for harvesting when the trichomes become hazy or golden. When the trichomes are transparent, however, the buds are still immature.
How do you harvest and trim marijuana?
To harvest your cannabis, you must cut the stem at the bottom and hang the plant to dry after harvesting. You may then remove the fan leaves after harvesting. Wet or dry trimming is an option when it comes to trimming buds.
When should I stop watering before harvesting?
After flushing, you can stop watering the plants in the final 1-3 days before harvest. This way, you stress your plants and let them wilt just a bit. Because then the plants think it is dying, it will increase resin production.
Closing on When to Harvest Marijuana
Harvesting is an important part of the growing process as it can have a big impact on how potent and flavorful your buds are. By harvesting at the right time, you’ll be able to maximize both potency and flavor in order to make either medical or recreational marijuana more effective for your needs.
If you’re still unsure of when to harvest your buds, consult with a professional grower who can help you determine the right time for your specific crop. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to determine the right time for harvesting your own marijuana plants. Thanks for reading!
