The whole point of growing marijuana is harvesting weed to maximize its CBD and THC components, depending on your preference.
And unlike other plants like fruits, which you can harvest even when they are not fully mature, it’s different for marijuana.
Harvesting weed too early or too late significantly affects the potency of your buds, which is why timing is critical.
Harvesting weed is an essential step in the process of growing cannabis. It requires careful timing, the right tools, and understanding of the flowering process.
Whether a novice or an experienced cannabis grower, this guide will help you get the most out of your harvest.
What is Cannabis Harvesting?
Harvesting weed is the process of collecting mature cannabis plants for consumption. This process is done after the flowering period when the cannabis buds are ready for harvest.
Harvesting weed is a crucial step in the cultivation process, as it determines the quality of your end product.
Harvesting weed requires careful observation and timing. Therefore, monitoring the flowering process and knowing the signs indicating your plants are ready to be harvested is essential.
The Flowering Process
Before harvesting weed, you need to understand the flowering process. This is the period when the cannabis plant begins to produce buds, which are the flowers of the cannabis plant.
A change in light cycles triggers the flowering process. Cannabis plants grow in a vegetative stage under long days and short nights.
The plant will flower when the light cycles change to short days and long nights. Depending on the strain and the plant’s environment, this flowering period can last anywhere from six to twelve weeks.
During the flowering period, the cannabis plant will produce trichomes, the resin glands that contain the psychoactive compounds in cannabis.
The trichomes will start to form and darken over time, indicating that the plant is getting closer to harvest.
Timing is Everything
Timing is an essential factor in harvesting weed. If you gather too early, the plant won’t have had enough time to develop the highest levels of THC and other cannabinoids.
If you wait too long, the trichomes can degrade, exposing the plant to mold and other contaminants.
Knowing when to harvest requires careful observation and experience. As the flowering period progresses, the trichomes become darker and more pronounced.
When the trichomes turn amber or brown, the plant is getting close to harvest. However, you should also consider the strain you’re growing and the environment your plants are in.
Different strains have different flowering times and can be affected by different environmental factors.
Harvesting Tools
To harvest your cannabis plants, you’ll need to have the right tools. But, of course, the essential tool is a good pair of scissors or shears.
It’s essential to have sharp, clean scissors to make clean cuts. You’ll also need a pair of gloves, as cannabis plants can be pretty sticky.
You’ll also need a collection bucket or bag to store the harvested buds. A clean, airtight container is essential, so the buds don’t dry out too quickly.
Additionally, you may want to have a magnifying glass to get a closer look at the trichomes to judge better when to harvest.
Drying and Curing Cannabis
Once you’ve harvested your cannabis plants, you’ll need to dry and cure them before they can be consumed. Drying and curing are essential in the process, as it helps preserve the buds’ flavor and potency.
The drying process should occur in a dark, calm, and dry environment. You’ll want to hang the buds upside down in a well-ventilated area.
The drying process can take anywhere from five to fourteen days, depending on the humidity and temperature of the environment.
Once the buds are dry, they need to be cured. This is done by storing the buds in airtight containers and letting them sit for several weeks.
This allows the buds to develop flavor and potency and helps preserve them for extended periods.
How to Judge When to Harvest
Harvesting weed is all about timing, so judging when to harvest is essential. The best way to do this is to monitor the trichomes closely.
As the flowering period progresses, the trichomes will darken and become more pronounced. Finally, when the trichomes turn amber or brown, the plant is getting close to harvest.
You can also use a magnifying glass to examine the trichomes closely. This will allow you to judge better when to harvest, as you can see the color and size of the trichomes more clearly.
Additionally, you should consider the strain you’re growing and the environment your plants are in.
Different strains have different flowering times and can be affected by different environmental factors.
Common Harvesting Mistakes
Harvesting cannabis is not an exact science, and there are a few common mistakes that novice growers make.
The most common mistake is harvesting weed too early or too late. If you harvest too early, the plant won’t have enough time to develop the highest levels of THC and other cannabinoids.
If you wait too long, the trichomes can degrade, exposing the plant to mold and other contaminants.
Another common mistake is using the wrong tools. Using sharp, clean scissors or shears to make clean cuts is essential.
Additionally, having the proper containers to store the harvested buds. A clean, airtight container is essential, so the buds don’t dry out too quickly.
Different Harvesting Techniques
There are various harvesting techniques available to cannabis growers.
The most common technique is manicuring, which involves trimming the buds to remove excess leaves. This helps reduce the buds’ weight and makes them easier to handle.
Another technique is topping, which involves cutting off the top of the plant to promote more lateral growth. This technique often increases yields, encouraging the plant to produce more buds.
Finally, there is the technique of defoliation. This involves removing some of the plant’s lower leaves to increase airflow and light penetration. This helps to promote healthy growth and can help to improve yields.
Impact of Harvesting Time on Quality
Timing is an essential factor in harvesting weed, as it can impact the quality of the end product.
If you harvest too early, the plant won’t have enough time to develop the highest levels of THC and other cannabinoids. On the other hand, if you wait too long, the trichomes can degrade, and the plant could be exposed to mold and other contaminants.
It’s essential to closely monitor the flowering process and be aware of the signs that indicate your plants are ready to be harvested.
Additionally, you should consider the strain you’re growing and the environment your plants are in. Different strains have different flowering times and can be affected by different environmental factors.
Parting Remarks on Cannabis Flowering and Harvesting
Harvesting weed is an essential step in the process of growing cannabis. It requires careful timing, the right tools, and understanding of the flowering process.
The trichomes tell you when it’s time to harvest, and once they give you the signal, it’s about time. Waiting any longer doesn’t make your buds more potent but decreases their potency.
Harvesting is everything; you need the right tools, but that’s not the end. You don’t just leave your buds out in the open. Drying and curing are essential; you summarize the process by storing them in airtight jars.
Did you love reading with us? How have you been harvesting weed, and when? Share your thoughts in the comment section. We would love to hear from you.