Harvest time keeps growers excited, especially given all the efforts exerted to produce healthy and quality buds. However, cutting them too soon will defeat the purpose and waste all your hard work as the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content will be low. So, harvest them at the right time based on the following indications:
Trichome color: Trichomes refer to the appendages on the cannabis flower’s surface. They’re the ones that hold the plant’s natural compounds, like THC and terpenes. If half of them appear milky white, and the other half become amber, it’s a good sign to harvest. Looking for a wide range of OG strain seeds online like alien og seeds, og kush seeds and white fire og seeds.
However, if most of them are clear, that means the plants are not yet ready for harvest. As it’s a bit challenging to see the color of the trichomes, you might want to use a magnifying glass.
- Brown pistils: Another way to tell the right time to harvest is through the pistils. When they mature, they turn brown. Using a magnifying glass to check the color is also recommended here.
- Bud shape: Unlike the trichome color test, this one’s not a definite way to tell whether your plant should be harvested. However, it helps you determine whether the plant has matured. Aside from the shape, check whether the buds are firm and tight.
- Curling leaves: One common sign to harvest is when the leaves curl and dry. This is expected because when it’s almost harvest time, the plants will absorb less water.
- Leaf color: While the leaves turn green during the flowering phase, they become yellow when it’s about time to harvest them. Given that nitrogen is reduced, the leaves also start falling off.
DRY AND CURE CANNABIS PROPERLY
You may think you’re done once you harvest your cannabis. However, drying and curing are important steps to producing quality and tasty buds. First, drying helps reduce the bud’s moisture content to 15%. It also enables you to maintain its taste and the natural compounds in it, including THC. To dry cannabis properly, follow these steps:
- Cut down your cannabis plants. While most growers prefer to cut off the branches, some want to cut until the base and hang them upside down. Others will also cut off each bud and then place them on a drying rack.
- Trim to remove larger fan leaves. Doing so will contribute to your buds’ improved look. If you’re residing in a place with less than 30% humidity levels, trim fewer leaves.
- Begin the slow drying process. A temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% humidity is preferred. If it exceeds 80 degrees, the terpene content will go away. While hanging the buds upside down is the most common method, you can use a drying rack or cardboard to lay them out. Generally, you need three to seven days to dry the buds well.
After the drying process, you can now proceed to curing to preserve the plant’s cannabinoids or compounds and terpenes. Simply perform the following:
- Put the cannabis buds into mason jars with a wide opening. Other alternatives include plastic or wooden vessels.
- Secure the container in a dark and dry area. Humidity levels should range from 60% to 65%.
- Check the containers regularly. Open them at least once a day for two weeks. Doing so will remove extra moisture and accommodate fresh air.
While your cannabis should be ready for use in two to three weeks, keeping it for around two months is recommended for maximum results. Commercial grow operations may prefer to use chemicals to hasten production. However, the whole experience of users may be compromised.
CONCLUSION
There are multiple factors to consider when growing cannabis on your own. However, growing cannabis indoors step by step with our guide above will help you produce quality buds that you’re proud of.