Harvesting Cannabis: a Complete Guide

Harvesting cannabis is a critical step in the cultivation process that requires careful attention to detail. Proper harvesting ensures that your cannabis yields the highest potency and quality possible. In this article, we will answer some common questions about harvesting cannabis, such as when to harvest, how to dry and cure your cannabis, and how to avoid common mistakes. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can ensure a successful and bountiful cannabis harvest.

When to Harvest Cannabis

Knowing when to harvest your cannabis is crucial for achieving the best possible yield and potency. The optimal time for harvesting cannabis depends on the strain, growing conditions, and desired effects. However, there are a few general signs to look for to determine when cannabis is ready to be harvested.

The first sign to look for is the color of the pistils or hairs on the buds. When the pistils turn from white to orange or brown, this is a good indication that the plant is ready to harvest.

Another sign to look for is the color and appearance of the trichomes. Trichomes are the small, resinous crystals that cover the buds and leaves of the cannabis plant. When the trichomes start to turn cloudy or milky, this is a good indication that the plant is ready to be harvested. For those looking for a more sedative effect, waiting for the trichomes to turn amber in color is recommended.

When checking trichomes for harvest, it’s important to use a magnifying tool, such as a jeweler’s loupe or a microscope, to get a close-up look at the trichomes. You can find these tools at your local grow store or online.

As mentioned earlier, the trichomes should start to turn cloudy or milky in appearance as the plant approaches maturity. Cloudy trichomes indicate that the plant is reaching its peak potency, while milky trichomes suggest that the plant is at its peak potency.

If you’re looking for a more sedative effect, you may want to wait for the trichomes to turn amber in color. Amber trichomes suggest that the plant is past its peak potency and that the effects will be more relaxing and calming.

When checking trichomes, it’s important to look at the trichomes on the buds themselves, as these will mature differently from the trichomes on the leaves. Keep in mind that trichomes can be difficult to see without a magnifying tool, so don’t rely solely on the naked eye to determine when to harvest your cannabis.

It’s essential to monitor your plants regularly for these signs, as waiting too long to harvest can lead to a decrease in potency and an increase in the risk of mold and mildew.

Harvesting cannabis Techniques

When it comes to harvesting cannabis, there are several techniques to choose from, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common harvesting techniques:

1. Whole Plant Harvesting: This technique involves cutting the entire plant down and hanging it upside down to dry. The advantage of this technique is that it’s straightforward and requires minimal effort. However, the downside is that the large leaves and stems can slow down the drying process, which can increase the risk of mold and mildew.
2. Branch Harvesting: This technique involves cutting off the branches of the plant and hanging them upside down to dry. The advantage of this technique is that it allows for better airflow and can reduce the risk of mold and mildew. However, it requires more effort than whole-plant harvesting.
3. Individual Bud Harvesting: This technique involves cutting off each bud from the plant and drying them separately. The advantage of this technique is that it allows for precise control over the drying and curing process, which can lead to higher-quality buds. However, it requires the most effort and can be time-consuming.

Ultimately, the harvesting technique you choose will depend on your personal preference and growing conditions. Regardless of which technique you choose, it’s essential to handle your plants carefully to avoid damaging the trichomes and compromising the quality of your harvest.

Drying Cannabis

Drying cannabis is a crucial step in the post-harvest process. Proper drying ensures that the buds retain their potency, flavor, and aroma. Here are some best practices for drying cannabis:

1. Hang the Buds Upside Down: Whether you choose to harvest the whole plant or individual branches, hanging the buds upside down is the most effective way to dry them. This allows for better airflow, which helps to prevent mold and mildew from forming.
2. Monitor Humidity and Temperature: The ideal humidity range for drying cannabis is between 45% and 55%. Temperatures should be kept between 60°F and 70°F. Use a hygrometer and thermometer to monitor the humidity and temperature in your drying area.
3. Check for Dryness: Buds should be dried until they snap when bent, but not crumble to dust. This usually takes between 7 to 10 days, depending on the humidity and temperature in your drying area. To check for dryness, gently bend a stem or two. If you hear a snapping sound, the buds are ready for the next stage of curing.
4. Trim the Buds: After the buds are dry, you can trim off the excess leaves and stems. This will improve the appearance of the buds and make them easier to handle.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your cannabis is properly dried and ready for the next stage of curing. Remember, the drying process is just as important as the growing process, so take your time and monitor your buds carefully to ensure the best possible results.

Curing Cannabis

Curing is the process of storing dried cannabis in a controlled environment to improve its flavor, aroma, and overall quality. Proper curing is essential for producing high-quality cannabis. Here are some best practices for curing cannabis:

1. Use Airtight Jars: After trimming, place the buds in airtight jars, filling them about 3/4 of the way full. This allows for some air circulation and prevents mold and mildew from forming.
2. Monitor Humidity and Temperature: During the first few days of curing, it’s important to open the jars daily for a few minutes to release any excess moisture. After that, check the jars once a week to monitor the humidity and temperature. The ideal humidity range for curing cannabis is between 60% and 65%. The ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 70°F.
3. Cure for at Least Two Weeks: Curing should last for at least two weeks, but some strains benefit from longer curing times. The longer you cure your cannabis, the smoother and more flavorful it will be.
4. Store in a Cool, Dark Place: After curing, store the jars in a cool, dark place to maintain the flavor and potency of your cannabis. Avoid exposing the jars to direct sunlight or high temperatures, as this can degrade the quality of your cannabis.

Following these steps can ensure that your cannabis is properly cured and ready for use. Remember, curing is an essential step in the post-harvest process, so don’t rush it. Take your time and monitor your buds carefully to achieve the best possible results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Harvesting cannabis can be a delicate process, and some common mistakes can significantly impact the quality of your final product. Here are a few mistakes to avoid when harvesting cannabis:

1. Harvesting Too Early or Too Late: Harvesting too early can result in low potency while harvesting too late can lead to a decrease in potency and an increase in harshness. Always wait until your buds are fully mature before harvesting.
2. Overhandling Buds: Excessive handling of buds can damage trichomes and reduce the potency of your cannabis. Handle your buds as little as possible during the harvesting process.
3. Not Flushing the Plants: Flushing involves watering your plants with pure water for a while before harvesting to remove any residual nutrients. If you don’t flush your plants, you risk smoking harsh, chemical-tasting buds.
4. Drying Too Quickly or Too Slowly: Drying your buds too quickly can cause them to become brittle and lose their potency, while drying them too slowly can lead to mold and mildew growth. It’s important to dry your buds slowly and evenly, in a controlled environment with proper ventilation.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following best practices for harvesting, drying, and curing your cannabis, you can ensure that you produce high-quality buds every time. Don’t rush the process and pay attention to the details, and you’ll be rewarded with a potent and flavorful harvest.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to growing cannabis or just need a refresher on some common questions related to harvesting, we’ve got you covered. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

1. What do trichomes look like when ready to harvest?

Trichomes will appear cloudy or milky when they’re ready to be harvested. They need more time to mature if they’re clear, while if they’re amber, they may be past their prime.

2. Should I hang my whole cannabis plant to dry?

It’s not necessary to hang your entire plant to dry, but it can be done. Many growers prefer to cut the buds off the plant and dry them separately, as it allows for more precise control over the drying process.

3. How long should I dry my cannabis after harvest?

The drying process can take anywhere from 5-14 days, depending on the size and density of your buds and the conditions in your drying room. It’s important to monitor the drying process carefully and adjust humidity and temperature as needed.

4. What happens if you wait too long to harvest?

If you wait too long to harvest, your buds may become overripe and start to lose potency. They may also become more prone to mold and mildew growth, which can ruin your entire crop.

5. When should I stop watering before harvest?

It’s generally recommended to stop watering your plants 5-7 days before harvest. This allows the plants to use up any remaining nutrients and produces a smoother smoking experience.

6. Should all hairs be orange before harvest?

Not necessarily. While many strains will have orange hairs when they’re ready to harvest, some may not. It’s important to rely on trichomes as the primary indicator of maturity.

7. Should you wash your buds before harvest?

No, you should not wash your buds before harvest. Washing them can damage the trichomes and affect the potency of your final product.

8. Do you flush every day before harvest?

No, flushing should be done for several days before harvest, not every day. This allows the plants to use up any remaining nutrients and produce a cleaner, smoother smoke.