Cannabis harvest
Cannabis harvest
The best time to harvest cannabis: when should you harvest?
The right harvest time is super important if you want to get the best out of your cannabis plants. The key to this lies in the trichomes - these are the small, resin-filled glands on the flowers. They contain the THC and CBD you're looking for. As the trichomes mature, they change color from clear to milky to amber. The perfect time to harvest is when most of the trichomes are milky, because that's when the THC content is at its highest. If you like it more relaxed, wait a little longer until some of the trichomes have an amber hue.
In addition to the trichomes, you should also pay attention to the flowering time and the appearance of the flowers. Are the calyxes nicely swollen and the pistils retracted? Then it's time to harvest. This will ensure that your plants deliver exactly what you want.
How long does cannabis take from seed to harvest?
If you're wondering how long it takes to harvest your cannabis plants, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as various factors play a role. Basically, it can be said that the entire process from seed to harvest takes around 3 to 5 months, depending on the strain and growing conditions.
In the germination phase, which lasts around 1 to 2 weeks, the plant begins to grow. This is followed by the growth phase, which can last between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on the cultivation method and plant variety. The flowering phase, in which the plants develop their flowers and the trichomes mature, then lasts another 6 to 10 weeks.
Of course, the growing conditions also play an important role - the process can be accelerated with optimal lighting, nutrients and care. If you keep an eye on these phases and take good care of your plants, you will be rewarded with a successful harvest.
Cannabis harvest time: what to look out for in the trichomes
After harvesting your cannabis plants, the work continues - because what you do now has a big impact on the quality of your end product. The first step after harvesting is to carefully trim the flowers. This involves removing the large leaves and trimming the smaller leaves surrounding the flowers to get the best out of your plants.
After trimming comes drying. Hang the trimmed flowers in a dark, well-ventilated room to start the drying process. Make sure that the temperature and humidity are optimal to avoid mold growth and not to speed up or slow down the drying process.
Once the flowers have dried, the curing process follows. Here you store the flowers in airtight containers, opening them regularly to allow excess moisture to escape. This step is crucial to maximize the aroma, potency and shelf life of your harvest. If you follow these steps carefully, you will be rewarded with high-quality and flavorful buds.
Cannabis harvest trichomes: when is the perfect time?
The trichomes of your cannabis plant are the best indicator of when the optimum harvest time has arrived. Trichomes are tiny, resin-filled glands on the flowers that contain valuable cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. As they mature, they change color, which helps you determine when the plant is ready for harvest.
At the beginning, the trichomes are clear and transparent. At this stage, the THC is not yet fully developed and the plant is not yet mature. When the trichomes start to turn milky and cloudy, the THC content reaches its peak - this is the ideal time to harvest if you prefer a strong, psychoactive effect. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more sedative effect, you should wait until some of the trichomes have taken on an amber hue, indicating a higher concentration of CBN.
Regularly checking the trichomes with a magnifying glass or microscope is crucial to not miss the perfect moment and get the most out of your harvest.
Drying and curing cannabis properly: how to preserve the quality of your harvest
Drying and curing your cannabis plants is a crucial step in unlocking the full potential of your harvest. Proper drying ensures that your buds retain their aroma, potency and consistency.
Start by hanging your freshly harvested and trimmed buds in a dark, well-ventilated room. The temperature should be around 18-21°C and the humidity between 45-55%. These conditions prevent the formation of mold and enable even drying. The drying process usually takes 7 to 14 days, depending on the ambient conditions and the density of the flowers.
After drying comes the curing process, also known as "curing". Fill the dried flowers into airtight containers and store them in a cool, dark place. Open the containers for a few minutes every day for the first few weeks to allow excess moisture to escape. Curing can take several weeks, but it is the key to a long shelf life and an intense taste experience. If you take your time, you will get the best out of your harvest in the end.
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Common pre-harvest problems: correctly interpreting yellow leaves and other signs
The correct harvesting and post-processing of your autoflowering plants is crucial for the quality and potency of your harvest. Here is an overview of the most important steps:
1.harvest time: After about 8-10 weeks, the plants are ready for harvest. Pay attention to the development of the trichomes (resin glands) on the flowers. The ideal time to harvest is when most of the trichomes are milky white and some are amber in color. This ensures that the cannabinoids and terpenes are optimally developed.
2ndharvesting method: Carefully cut the plant and remove the large fan leaves. It is advisable to hang the plant in a well-ventilated room at around 20-24°C and a humidity of 45-55% to dry. This can take 7-10 days.
3.drying: Drying is a critical process. Hang the plants upside down and ensure good air circulation to prevent mold growth. The flowers should be crisp to the touch after drying, but the inner stems should still be slightly flexible.
4.trimming: After drying, the flowers need to be trimmed. Remove the remaining leaves to improve the quality and appearance of the flowers. This can be done either wet or dry, although the dry method is preferred to preserve the resin glands.
5.curing: Curing improves the flavor and potency of the buds. Store the trimmed buds in airtight jars at a temperature of about 20°C and a humidity of 55-65%. For the first few weeks, open the jars daily for about 15 minutes to let in fresh air and allow excess moisture to escape. This process should take at least 2-4 weeks to achieve optimum results.
Cannabis harvest per plant
How much yield can you expect per plant? The yield varies greatly depending on the variety, growing conditions and care. In optimal indoor conditions, you can expect between 50 and 150 grams per plant. Outdoor plants that get more space and natural sunlight often produce higher yields, sometimes up to 500 grams or more per plant. Factors such as light, nutrients and training techniques have a significant influence on yield.