When to harvest cannabis? One of the most important things to know when growing cannabis is when to harvest your plants. After all, if you harvest too early or too late, you won’t get the best possible results. So, when is the best time to harvest cannabis? Read on to find out!

What is cannabis?

Cannabis is a plant that contains many different chemicals, including over 100 compounds known as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are responsible for the plant’s medical and recreational effects. The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD.

THC is the compound in cannabis that makes people feel high. It binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and alters the user’s mood, perception, and memory. CBD does not make people feel high, but it does have some medical benefits. It can be used to treat conditions like anxiety, pain, and inflammation.

The amount of THC and CBD in a cannabis plant determines its potency. Potency is measured by the percentage of THC or CBD in the plant. The higher the percentage, the more potent the plant is.

The types of cannabis

When it comes to harvesting cannabis, there are several different types that you can choose from. These include sativa, indica, and hybrid strains. Each type has its own unique set of characteristics that make it ideal for different purposes.

Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects. They are often used to help fight fatigue and increase focus. Indica strains are more relaxing and sedating. They can be helpful in treating pain and promoting sleep. Hybrid strains are a mix of both sativa and indica, and tend to offer a balance of effects.

No matter which type of cannabis you choose to grow, the most important thing is to ensure that it is properly cured before harvest. Curing helps to improve the flavor and quality of your buds, so it’s worth taking the time to do it right.

When to harvest indica

The best time to harvest indica cannabis is when the majority of the trichomes on the plant’s flowers have turned from clear to milky white. If you wait too long, the trichomes will turn amber and the effects of the indica will be more sedative than euphoric.

To get a feel for when your indica is ready to harvest, take a close look at the trichomes with a magnifier. You may also want to use a jeweler’s loupe or other high-powered magnifier. The general rule of thumb is that 50-70% of the trichomes should be milky white before you harvest.

If you’re not sure whether to harvest or not, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and harvest earlier rather than later. You can always give your plants a little more time if needed, but you can’t undo harvesting too late!

When to harvest sativa

When it comes to harvesting sativa, the timing is crucial. If you harvest too early, the buds will be immature and won’t have the full effect. Harvest too late, and the THC will start to degrade, making for a less potent product. So when is the perfect time to harvest your sativa plants?

The answer may vary depending on who you ask, but most experts agree that the sweet spot is somewhere between 60-70 days of flowering. At this point, the buds should be nice and fat, with plenty of trichomes (the tiny crystals that contain THC).

Of course, there’s no need to wait until exactly day 60 or 70 – you can start checking your plants a few days before and see how they look. If they seem ready, go ahead and harvest! Just remember that once you cut those buds off, there’s no turning back – so make sure you really are happy with the timing before you make your final decision.

When to harvest hybrid

When to harvest hybrid cannabis can depend on the phenotype of the plant. If you are unsure of the phenotype, ask the grower or seed bank. The general rule of thumb is to wait until 50-70% of the pistils have darkened and curled inwards. However, some growers prefer to wait until 80-90% of the pistils have darkened.

How to dry and cure your cannabis

Harvesting your cannabis is only half the battle – now you need to dry and cure it! Here’s how:

1. Cut down your plants and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.

2. Allow them to dry for 3-7 days, until the leaves are crispy but the buds are still pliable.

3. Trim off the leaves and buds and place them in jars or containers.

4. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks to allow the curing process to take effect.

5. Enjoy your perfectly dried and cured cannabis!

How to know when it’s time to harvest

When it comes to harvesting your cannabis crop, timing is everything. Here are a few key things to look for when determining when it’s time to harvest:

1. Trichomes: One of the most accurate ways to determine when to harvest is by checking the trichomes on the buds. Trichomes are the tiny resin glands that produce THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. When they’re ripe, they’ll be milky white or amber in color. Use a jeweler’s loupe or microscope to get a close-up look at the trichomes and see what color they are.

2. Pistils: Another way to tell if your cannabis is ready for harvest is by checking the pistils. Pistils are the small, hair-like structures that protrude from the buds. When they’re first starting out, they’re white or pale green in color. But as the plant matures, they darken and recede back into the bud. You can also give them a little tug – if they come off easily, that means they’re probably ready to harvest.

3. The appearance of the leaves: Another clue that your cannabis is ready for harvest is by looking at the leaves. As plants mature, their leaves tend to yellow and become more brittle. So if you see this happening with your plants, it’s probably time to start thinking about harvesting them.

The harvesting process

Cannabis plants are typically harvested when they are between 6 and 8 weeks old. However, the exact time will depend on the variety of cannabis and the desired effect.

Indica strains are usually harvested earlier than sativa strains. This is because indica plants have a shorter flowering period than sativas. Indicas also tend to produce more resin, which can make them more potent.

Sativa strains, on the other hand, are often harvested later. This is because sativas have a longer flowering period and can take up to 12 weeks to mature. They also tend to be less potent than indicas.

The harvesting process itself is relatively simple. Once the plants are ready, they are cut down and the buds are trimmed from the stems. The buds are then dried and cured before they are ready to be consumed.

Drying and curing your cannabis

Assuming you’ve already harvested your cannabis, the next step is to dry and cure it. Drying and curing are two different process, but both are important in order to achieve the best results.

Drying is the process of removing water from the cannabis. This can be done by hanging the cannabis upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. The ideal humidity level for drying cannabis is between 60-70%. Too much humidity can lead to mold or mildew, while too little can cause the cannabis to become too dry and brittle. Depending on the size and density of your buds, drying can take anywhere from 3-14 days.

Curing is the process of slowly breaking down chlorophyll and other plant matter, which gives cannabis its harsh taste. Curing also helps to preserve cannabinoids and terpenes, which are responsible for the plant’s effects. Curing takes place after drying is complete, and can be done by storing your dried buds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Check on your buds every few days, opening the container to allow fresh air in. Curing typically takes 2-8 weeks, though some people prefer to cure for even longer periods of time.

Smoking your cannabis

If you’re smoking your cannabis, you’ll want to wait until the flowers are fully developed. You can tell they’re ready when the pistils (the little hairs on the buds) turn from white to amber or brown. The buds will also be much denser and tighter. Cut off a small piece of a bud and roll it between your fingers. If it’s easy to break apart, it’s not ready yet. You want your buds to be dry but not brittle.

Conclusion

The best time to harvest your cannabis plants will depend on the strain you are growing and your personal preferences. Some growers prefer to wait until the plants are fully mature, while others harvest early for a more potent product. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide when to harvest your plants based on your specific goals.