We will now look at the signs that will let you know the time to dry and cure your buds is upon you . Knowing the cannabis plant ’ s anatomy is essential to assess ripeness and accurately determine the optimum time for harvest . You must pay attention to the small details to guarantee that you get it spot on .
Fan Leaves Begin to Turn Yellow
Fan leaves are the large , broad leaves on your plant . Their primary function is to absorb light . The energy absorbed from sunlight is transferred into stored energy through photosynthesis . During the vegetative phase , yellow leaves are not a good sign . They often signal the presence of nutritional deficiencies . Late into the bloom phase , however , if your plant is loaded with buds , the fan leaves will start to transition toward a yellow color and die off . This occurs because many nutrients find themselves being redirected towards the swelling of the buds . This is easy to spot and a definitive sign that harvest time is almost upon you .
Pistils Begin to Turn Amber
This is where getting to know your plant helps you out a lot . Pistils are the wispy hair-like structures you see emerging from your cannabis buds . The pistils house the female cannabis plant ’ s reproductive organs that are waiting to pollinate a male plant and produce a seed . You will notice these wispy whiskers are white during the early stages of the flowering phase . However , as you move through the flowering cycle , you will see they begin to change color . As your plant readies itself for harvest , they will turn darker red , brown , and orange hues .
“ You must pay attention to the small details to guarantee that you get it spot on .”
Never harvest your buds when most of the pistils are still white . This indicates your plants should be left to mature for a little longer . To ensure optimal THC levels , you should wait until at least 60-70 percent of your pistils have turned an amber color before you begin harvesting .
This should give you the highest levels of THC . If you leave it past this point , your THC levels will start to degrade with exposure to oxygen , heat , and light . When this happens , THC transforms into CBN ( the sleepy cannabinoid ) which is thought only to be one quarter of the strength of THC .
Trichomes Begin to Turn Milky White
Trichomes are tiny mushroomshaped glands that populate the flowers and sugar leaves . They are the crown jewels of your bud , producing valuable resin that holds cannabinoids and terpenes . Trichomes are so tiny that it can be difficult to assess them with the naked eye alone . Therefore , I would recommend using magnifying tools to get a closer look . A small magnifying glass or a jeweller ’ s loupe is perfect for getting you up close and personal with your plant ' s trichomes . When under magnification , trichomes will seem clear with a crystal-like appearance during the early stage of flowering . This signifies low potency and underripe flowers . As you move toward the end of the flowering phase , however , you will notice the trichomes will change to have a cloudier , milky white appearance . When these tiny resin factories become 50 percent cloudy , it indicates you still have some time to wait . Your flowers are still not fully formed , and they still have a low odor profile . It is time to harvest when all the trichomes have turned predominantly cloudy . This is when they are bursting with the most significant levels of THC and will deliver the most potent psychoactive effects . If you leave it much longer after this point , your trichomes will change again to an amber color . Harvesting at this stage may produce a more narcotic and physical high as your THC begins to degrade . Opinion does vary here regarding trichome color . Many growers use it to manipulate their cannabis strain to produce the desired THC levels and effects . Of course , genetics , nutrition , lighting , environment , and cannabinoid and terpene levels will also influence outcomes . Some people harvest at the 50 / 50 cloudy and amber point to balance cerebral and physical effects . It is generally perceived that cloudy trichomes produce more uplifting and stimulating clear-headed cerebral effects . In contrast , amber trichomes result in heavier , more intense effects .
It does come down to personal preference and trial and error , so don ’ t be afraid to experiment a little . The more grow cycles you go through , the more confident you will become . The more you learn to read your plant , the more you will instinctively know the right time to harvest .
Maximum Yield 93