How to Harvest Cannabis Plants, when do you Harvest? Tips for a Successful Cannabis Harvest for Outdoor Growing.
When you harvest cannabis, it is exciting and rewarding, because you finally get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Learn when and how to successfully harvest cannabis.
When and How to Harvest Cannabis: Tips for a Successful Cannabis Harvest
Harvesting is not just cutting down plants and trimming buds.
Harvesting marijuana is a process that requires a good bit of time and attention. If you are growing for personal use, you will only have a few plants and most home growers look forward to this special time and find the process rewarding and enjoyable.
The harvesting process will move along smoothly if you are prepared with the right equipment, a space to trim comfortably, a place to dry that is dark, fans, filters, and dehumidifier.
The big day has arrived, and your buds are at their prime state, and ready to harvest. The best time to harvest is when there’s not much change in weather, which can be challenging in some locations as often the fall season can bring heavy rain and strong winds. It’s important to make sure the plants are not super wet just before they’re harvested, as it could create an environment for mold.
When do you harvest cannabis plants?
Cannabis plants can be harvested at any time of the year, when grown indoors, however for this post we will discuss outdoor cultivation. Either way though, the best time to harvest is when they are fully matured. If they are grown outdoors, it becomes difficult for them to go through the cold, dry winter. If they are not matured before the first frost, harvesting before this time could result in a less potent product.
When it comes down to it, it is all about the maturity of the trichomes. These are the tiny mushroom like protuberances that appear on the bud of the plant. To see this structure might require a microscope.
This is where properly planning your future gardening experience is critical. It is imperative to know your seasons and planting zones for your area. Based on the type of seeds you plant, become familiar with the recommended # of days to harvest and germinate accordingly.
Give yourself a buffer of 20-25 days before the potential time of a typical frost in your area, to be the day you plan to harvest. So, if a frost typically arrives on October 30, plan to harvest by October 5- 10.
Can you harvest cannabis at the wrong time and ruin a whole season of growing?
Yes, this can happen if you either harvest too early or if you harvest too late, because harvesting over ripe as well as under ripe buds can reduce their potency. There are varying opinions on determining the “ideal” level of ripeness of your buds.
Some say that the buds should be white with a slight orange tint to them, others believe that when a light to dark amber color appears throughout the bud that the perfect level of ripeness has been achieved, yet some say that is over ripe.
The active ingredients present in marijuana are THC, CBD, CBN and other cannabinoids and most believe they are at their peak potency when 20-25% of the bud has ripened.
A study by the University of Florida found that THC levels in marijuana plants decline significantly if the plant has been harvested when the buds have been fully ripened for a few weeks to a month.
Typically for outdoor grower’s harvest time will be in late September to early October.
There are several different methods to harvest cannabis and trim ripe, delicate buds.
The most common methods to harvest cannabis plants are wet trimming and dry trimming.
What is dry trimming?
Dry trimming is when you begin to remove most of the plant’s leaves while the plant is still in the container or in the ground. At this point you have also stopped watering your plants. Once most of the leaves have been removed, leave the plants for about 2 days, so the air can dry the exposed buds on the branches.
This process begins to reduce the moisture content. Then after a few days remove the buds and hand trim the smaller leaves. Be sure to select the best trimming scissors with sharp tips and blades.
As you are trimming the scissors will get sticky with a buildup of plant matter and resin. This will require cleaning with alcohol as often as possible. Once the buds are trimmed, they still may need further drying.
Placing them on screens in a dark room with fans circulating the air, dehumidifiers removing excess humidity and a filter to ensure the air remains clean, will increase your success for a higher return for your hand trimmed bud. This may only take 24 hours, so be careful not to over dry them.
Some growers, if they have the space, will hang the plants in a cool dark room for a few days to remove more moisture from the buds and then trim further when the buds feel about 80% dry.
What is wet trimming?
Wet trimming is when you cut the plant down and immediately remove leaves and buds, then drying the trimmed, wet buds. This can be done with several types of scissors. A heavy-duty cutter will be used to cut thick stems which will allow the buds to be handled easier while trimming. Then smaller sharper scissors will be used to trim the finer, sugar leaves near the bud. This can be a more laborious process than dry trimming, but the product is well worth it, because the bud can appear plumper.
The main goal of wet trimming is to produce a more intense flavor and so that the product can reach consumers faster.
The most important thing to remember is to make sure the buds cure and dry properly. Also inspect the buds for bugs as they could eat away at your crop overnight if the conditions are right.
Harvesting is one of the most exciting steps when growing weed.
Here are some tips for a successful harvest:
- Decide on the harvesting process, wet trimming, or dry trimming.
- Be prepared with a comfortable work area with good lighting.
- Have the right tools – Sharp scissors, a jar with alcohol, gloves, hair nets, a mechanism to further dry buds if necessary, and clean glass jars for storage during the curing process.
- When trimming, use care and attention to detail and don’t trim too deep. Make sure you leave enough trichomes on your buds.
- Be prepared for inclement weather that can negatively impact ripening. Especially in the fall when there can be many cloudy and rainy days.
When harvesting outdoors, plan for a cold snap or rainstorm before picking up your crop.
Cold temperature: up to three hours can be ok.
Hard freeze: Plant tissue is damaged by ice crystals
Frost: Plant cells are damaged by ice crystals leaves will appear wilted before turning dark and crispy.
Potted plants are more susceptible to frost damage. Rain itself is not a huge problem, but the duration and severity of the storm can be. If it’s going to warm up and dry out quickly, you can leave almost ripe cannabis to weather the storm. If rain will be there to stay, mold awaits–cut your losses and harvest before things get too soggy.
While you can cover the plants during heavy rains, they will still be moist with a cover on. Depending on how the weather warms up, take off the cover before the cold comes in to dry them out before harvesting.
What do you need to know before you harvest cannabis and cut down your crop?
To reap the most benefits, it’s important to harvest cannabis plants when the trichomes are mature.
Looking at your pistils and evaluating trichomes will provide your best indicators. A magnifying tool is the best way to see if your plants are ready to harvest. Look for glistening resin filled trichomes on each plant’s buds.
Hitting this at the right time will result in stronger, more beautiful flowers with a richer aroma. It is not only advisable, but in fact highly necessary that home growers cultivate a healthy sense of awareness and appreciation when tending to their plants to give them the best possible chance of reaching their full potential.
Doing this will provide a level of intuition and increase the chances that you will know the right time to harvest that will meet your needs. Knowing your plants intimately will help you plan for a successful harvest. Also, harvest time might be based on the individual metabolism of each plant.
While intuition is a factor, the suggested harvest date is also a factor. When you germinate, keep the suggested harvest date in mind. Circle that suggested harvest day on your calendar and begin looking for the signs about 10 days before.
You should be inspecting your plants in the early morning before the sun rises to make sure they are free from any infestation, as typically you only see late crop invaders in the early morning. Through the day check them as often as you can, and you will see the white hairs begin to turn in color. At first, they look a golden color, then can turn to amber then to crimson, based on species. Some turn purple as well. When they begin to turn color, many suggest stopping feeding and even reduce watering. Each day more and more creamy hairs will turn color. When the buds begin to appear about 20%-25% amber in color, it’s time to prepare your harvest.
Different strains have slightly different flowering periods.
Different strains and types (autoflowers) of cannabis may have slightly different flowering periods. Flowering periods also will be affected by the level of care and amount of light and nutrients the plants receive. Another signal that can identify the best time to harvest is when the leaves are starting to turn a yellowish-green, but some people prefer to wait until all the leaves on their plants have turned brown and fallen off. However, the leaves are less important to signal harvesting and may even signal a negative health issue.
When to harvest cannabis indica?
Indica strains typically take anywhere from 6-8 weeks of flowering to fully mature.
The indica flowering period is shorter than the sativa because they usually produce fewer flowers and buds faster. The best time to harvest indica plants is when the plant starts showing signs of being ready.
When considering leaves, look for the turning of vibrant green turning yellow. Then look at the buds, their hairs should be turning golden as well. This process can take 4-10 days, depending on the sun exposure but not usually longer than 2 weeks, before they should be harvested.
Harvesting cannabis is about taking good enough care of your crop and being keenly aware to harvest at the right time, so that you will avoid getting stuck with poor quality weed.
Here are some of the key factors you need to consider when determining if it is time to harvest your cannabis:
1. Trichomes and their color state
2. The color of the leaves
3. Shape and size of the plant
4. Buds feel like full bodied when squeezed
5. The fragrance is invigorating and strong
The color of the trichomes is a good indication of how potent and psychoactive your cannabis will be. The most common colors are:
Clear or translucent (no color), white or milky white, light amber, honey colored, clear with a slight tint of yellow/amber.
A general rule of thumb is to focus on the plant and not the calendar, 100%. When trichomes are clear with 20-25% amber color, it is the most ideal state to harvest your cannabis in. The most potent cannabis is harvested when the trichomes are mostly clear (translucent) with just a few amber/yellow hairs present.
When you harvest your cannabis too early, there will be a lot of white trichomes present, which will result in cannabis that is not very potent. When you harvest your cannabis too late, there will be more amber/yellow colored trichomes present, which will also result in less potent cannabis.
Keep in mind the desired levels of THC appear in different levels of maturity, so the flowering cycle is important too!
When to harvest cannabis Sativa, what are the signs?
Trichomes will be mostly clear and amber/yellow in color, which is when the cannabis will be at its peak potency.
This is the time to harvest for a more cerebral high and higher THC content, which means you want your plant to turn amber after white trichomes are seen.
The plant will be taller, longer, and lankier than the Indica-dominant version. Sativa plants can grow up to 25 feet in height!
Sativa should be harvested when the plant is in the late stages of flowering. Sativa is best harvested after 8 to 10 weeks after flowering. It is good to keep in mind that sativa usually takes longer than indica to mature.
When to harvest cannabis sativa – indica mix?
Often cannabis plants are not just one single strain, but a mixture of different types of strains. This can create some confusion with harvest time for this type of plant. The best way to harvest marijuana is to wait until the trichomes have turned a milky white color, with 20-25% amber, this means they are ready for harvesting.
This is a simple guide that helps growers with the important step of harvesting their plants to maximize growth and harvest the optimal THC content.
Since different plants come with varying levels readiness to determine the right time for harvesting cannabis, just know sometimes it is not as straightforward as it seems and understanding some of the different qualities can make your harvest even better.
If you are cultivating outdoors and using nutrients in order to maximize production, it is wise to focus your efforts on sativa indica mix, if that is your desire, as they can still produce more bud weight before the end.
Being aware of your flowering time is very important
The average time frame for a harvest is 8 weeks after it begins the flowering stage and 10 weeks after it begins flowering stage. There are some exceptions to this, but the general rule of thumb is that Indica flowers at about 8 weeks and Sativa flowers at about 10.
Autoflowering cannabis plants have a shorter flowering time
Autoflowering cannabis plants have been designed to have a shorter flowering time as opposed to regular cannabis plants.
Harvesting outdoor autoflowering indica or sativa plants twice in one growing season can be a reality if you live in a warmer climate.
If the possibility to grow 2 harvests of plants in one growing season, then go for it. This requires expert planning, in that seeds for the first harvest will start germinating in late February and may require an artificial light source if the sun exposure is inadequate. There must be adequate space for them to grow and become large enough to begin flowering once they are placed outdoors in the spring, when the weather is right.
Once these begin to flower, it’s time to germinate the second set of seeds. Just be aware of the timing because you can only maintain a certain number of flowering plants at a time.
If you decide to grow autoflowereing plants, they will mature more quickly and increase the potential of having 2 harvests in one season in the right climate. However, some claim they are not as potent.
How do you cure marijuana after harvesting?
The curing process is the last step before consuming your plants for the first time. It’s a critical part of marijuana cultivation and many people like to do it in order to enhance their weed’s flavor and to help preserve the cannabis.
Keeping marijuana in a vacuum sealed container with desiccants also helps retain portions of the terpenes while maintaining potency.
Generally, curing weed means further drying it out and letting the moisture evaporate. The goal of this process is to remove all the excess water to preserve marijuana’s terpenes and cannabinoids.
If you do not vacuum seal it, you can store trimmed buds in preserving jars. There will be a need to remove the jar cover once daily and burp the jar to remove moisture build up if there is still an excess in the buds. If you do not do this, there is a very good chance mold will develop. Curing properly can take a few weeks. When you’re done with your harvest, it’s time to cure your weed properly!
Here are some common FAQ’s.
When is the best time to harvest a marijuana plant?
The best time to harvest marijuana is when the plant has gone through all its natural vegetative and flowering stages and the trichomes are 25% ripe.
What are pistils and trichomes?
A magnifying tool is the best way to see if your plants are ready for harvest, it will allow you to see the size of each part more clearly.
Trichomes are the tiny glistening, resin-filled -like protuberances on cannabis flowers. It is a structural part of its flower that allows it to absorb water and nutrients from the soil in which it grows, making them essential for plant growth.
They contain cannabinoids, which is what we’re all after here. Trichomes are the key to knowing if your plants are ready for harvest, as well.
Trichomes are the tiny hairs on cannabis flowers. They’re responsible for providing marijuana with its unique flavor, aroma, and color as well as its effects.
A marijuana plant is ready for harvest when there are 20-25% red pistils and trichomes (a head of crystal) on each flower.
Trichomes help protect plants from harsh sunlight and pests, while also providing nutrients to flowers in a way that helps them grow more quickly.
How can weather impact cannabis ripening?
There are a few factors to consider when determining the best time to harvest cannabis that is grown outdoors. Bad weather can negatively impact cannabis ripening, so it is important that you consider the environment around your plants and how much light they will be exposed too for them to reach their full potential.
Do Indica and sativa take different amount of time to finish flowering?
Determining when to harvest outdoor weed is tricky. Yes, indica and sativa take different times to finish flowering, so it’s important that you know what strain of marijuana you have before deciding on the time frame for planting and harvesting.
What weather conditions can be cause for a disaster for harvesting?
Determining when to harvest weed is important for a successful harvest. If the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and/or if there’s been too much rain, harvesting marijuana can be dangerous because of the potential for mold and mildew.
To know when to harvest cannabis outdoors, it’s best to look at what time of day it will be warmer (with less chance of rain), how many hours until sunset, and the length of the daylight hours.
It is best to begin harvesting in the early morning a few hours before the sun comes up, if all the other conditions are right.
How important is it to be monitoring your plants?
It is very important to regularly, if not daily to monitor your plants. Knowing each stage is critical when it comes to caring for your plants. Throughout each stage it is also necessary to look for infestation or signs of malnutrition, water issues and sun related issues- either too much or too little.
Growers should monitor their plants to know the right time to harvest them when the plant is ready. It’s important to monitor how long your plant takes to grow from seedling stage, through vegetative growth, into flowering.
Daily monitoring your plants and appreciating them will send them a message that you care about their health and well-being. Believe it or not, that energy will be imprinted in the plants as well.
What if you can’t tell the difference between clear and cloudy trichomes?
A higher quality cannabis crop will produce a smell usually described as sweet, earthy, spunky, and citrusy. Clear is made up of clear trichomes that do not smell strongly of anything but will display colors of a light green when they come in contact with ultraviolet light. Cloudy trichomes are the more potent part of the plant and can produce a stronger smell. The smell of the trichomes can be used to determine when it is time to harvest your cannabis, as well.
How can you tell if it’s too early to harvest cannabis?
It is important to know when it is the right time to harvest your cannabis. The best way to do this would be by smelling the trichomes of your plants. Clear trichomes will be less fragrant and have a light green color, while cloudy trichomes will be darker with a stronger smell that can sometimes include an earthy scent.
Colors of trichomes are also a strong indicator, look for 20-25% amber.
Why is harvesting at the right time so important to both growers and consumers?
This is because trichomes give off several chemicals and compounds that have medicinal benefits. A harvest that is too early may result in a loss of these chemicals. On the other hand, if harvested too late the buds will not receive all the benefits plants have to offer.
What is needed to harvest weed successfully?
Achieving a successful goal may take a little planning and consideration. To start, is examining what needs to happen for the harvest and preparing a space to make that happen comfortably. Determine the harvesting and trimming process that will be suit your needs.
To harvest weed, you will need jars, tincture bottles and a collection of sharp scissors to be ready for the glorious event. Also, for harvesting cannabis properly: one needs time, a clean comfortable environment, personal cannabis trimming skills, and curing techniques and experience are a plus!
What is flushing about, and do I need to do it?
When you use organic nutrients typically you don’t need to flush your plants, because many say it does not require it.
To be labeled as organic, marijuana cannot contain chemicals or pesticides. If you grow outdoors with nutrients, they will run off into the soil around the plant if they are not absorbed into the plant’s vascular system.
When using nonorganic fertilizers, you must flush to remove the chemical taste that can affect your buds.
Plants will undergo final watering a few days before the last days of its life. Final flush should occur a week or two before that, if you must flush, then plants will be watered with fresh water, no additives in last 2 weeks of life.
The plant should begin to dry out as you approach harvest. Some gardeners like to allow the soil to be bone-dry before harvesting. If the medium is too wet, your plant may not dry well, and this could negatively impact yield. This is not only related to dry soil, but may also be due to dry air, relative humidity should be low too. Lowering the humidity before harvest day will increase resin production.
Light vs Dark Factor
Indoor cannabis growers have more control of light because they get as many hours of darkness as they wish. By allowing more darkness before harvest is an option that plants respond well to and could also increase the resin.
Do plants grow bigger with more light?
To grow a bigger plant, it needs more exposure to light. If the leaves start curling and falling from your plants during harvest time, then there is an issue with how much light they are getting. The signs of these problems include yellowing leaves that curl up, as well as brown spots on them when in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
As buds swell, branches become heavy and hang more so be sure to provide the support they need so your plants don’t break.
In conclusion:
Harvesting your pants is a very special time in the life of your plant and it is a time to be vigilant with care and attention.
There are many special moments, as well as negative changes that happen during the process of harvesting your crop. This includes things like: buds growing too heavy and breaking your plant, leaves curling, flowers opening and seeds appearing as they grow. This is a time to be sure that you are providing the proper amount of attention that your plants need.
Happy Harvesting!