Harvesting and drying hemp
Harvesting and drying hemp
How to do it right 🌿
The correct harvest and drying method determines the quality of hemp. If you make mistakes here, you not only risk mould or loss of flavour, but also a lower potency of the flowers. It is therefore important to find the perfect Harvest time, choose a gentle drying method and get the best out of the plant with good storage.
In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to harvest, dry and store your hemp plants correctly in order to obtain a high-quality end product.
.When is the right time to harvest? 🕰️
The question "When to harvest cannabis?" is crucial for quality and potency. The perfect moment depends on several factors:
✅ Observe trichomes: You can use a magnifying glass or microscope to examine the small resin glands on the flowers.
Clear → Too early
Milky → Optimal for a balanced high
Amber-coloured → Stronger sedative effects
✅ Keep an eye on the leaves and flowers:
When most of the leaves turn yellow, the plant is usually ready for harvest.
The flowers swell and become very resinous - a good sign!
✅ Differences between indoor and outdoor cannabis:
Indoor: Ripe after approx. 8-12 weeks of flowering
Outdoor: Harvest time usually between September and October (depending on variety and climate)
The right harvesting method ✂️
There are various methods for harvesting hemp, depending on the quantity and desired end result.
🔹 Manual harvest:
Perfect for small to medium quantities
Gentle manual trimming with sharp scissors
Ideal for the best quality and aesthetics
🔹 Machine harvest:
Necessary for large quantities
Saves time, but can damage trichomes
🔹 Whole plant vs. harvesting individual flowers:
Cutting the plant completely allows it to be dried upside down - ideal for slow drying.
Cutting individual flowers saves space and enables more targeted processing.
the most important steps 🌬️
Drying hemp
After harvesting, correct drying is crucial. If this happens too quickly or under poor conditions, the quality suffers considerably.
🔹 Optimal conditions:
Temperature: 18-22°C
Humidity: 50-60%
Duration: 7-14 days, depending on the environment
🔹 Drying methods:
Hanging upside down on a washing line
Special drying nets for space-saving work
Drying in a dark, well-ventilated room
🔹 Avoid mistakes:
Excessive humidity → Mould hazard!
Drying too quickly (e.g. with fan heaters) → Loss of flavour and active ingredients
Curing - the secret to perfect flowers 🍯
Curing is a refinement technique that improves flavour and potency. The dried flowers are stored in jars or containers to allow them to mature slowly.
🛠 How it works:
Pour the flowers into airtight jars, but do not press too hard.
Open daily for 10-15 minutes to allow moisture to escape.
At least 2-4 weeks of curing for the best flavour and smooth smoke.
💡 Extra tip: The longer the curing, the more intense the flavour! Some even leave their buds to mature for several months.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them 🚨
Many beginners make similar mistakes when harvesting and drying. Here are some of the most common ones and how you can avoid them:
❌ Picked too early: Flowers do not yet develop their full potential.
💡 Solution: Always keep an eye on the trichomes!
❌ Stored too damp: Risk of mould and musty smell.
💡 Solution: Always keep an eye on the humidity, open curing jars daily.
❌ Drying too quickly: Flavour and effects suffer.
💡 Solution: Be patient and dry slowly at the optimum temperature.
How to harvest and dry hemp like a pro 🎯
Harvesting and drying hemp is more than just a technical process - it's an art. If you time it right, process your plants with care and take the time to dry and mature them properly, you will be rewarded with first-class flowers.
Whether you are growing cannabis for your own use or going for professional quality - with this guide you will avoid typical mistakes and get the best out of your harvest.
Good luck with your next harvest! 🌱💨