Cannabis Harvest: When and how to harvest your cannabis plants

Let's dive into the fascinating world of the cannabis harvest. Figuring out the perfect time to harvest can be tricky, especially for new cannabis growers. Knowing the right time to harvest cannabis requires a blend of skill and knowledge. The good news? Anyone can master the art of harvesting cannabis plants. All it takes is a keen eye to spot the subtle signs and cues.

Before you start, it's crucial to understand how long it takes for cannabis plants to mature. This timeframe isn't the same for every plant. Factors such as growing methods, environmental conditions, and the type of plant all play significant roles.

Generally, most cannabis plants take up to 12 weeks to reach maturity. After this period, you can start looking for signs that your plants are ready for harvest.

Table of Contents

• The Right Time to Harvest Cannabis
• Trichome Color
• Leaf Colors
• Curling Leaves
• Pistil Color
• Bud Shape
• Tips and Tricks & Related topics
• Final Thoughts

The Right Time to Harvest Cannabis

Your cannabis plants give you certain visual clues that can help you understand when the ideal time for harvesting cannabis plants is. So the next time you try to figure out whether it's time for the harvest time or not, you should consider the following aspects:

1. Trichome Color

When you are struggling to determine the optimal harvest time, you should pay attention to the trichomes. Experts say that the appearance of the trichomes can tell a lot about the harvest time, and it is always a reliable source. So, learning to check the appearance of the trichomes puts you on the right path.

Now the question arises, what kind of appearance should be considered as a visual clue for the perfect harvest time? Let us help you. If you see the trichomes turning milky white and some of them becoming a nice amber color, you know it's time to harvest. However, if you see clear trichomes, it is still too early to harvest your plant. Pay attention to these signs, as the color of the trichomes is the most reliable visual cue so far. Sometimes it is difficult to recognize the changing color of the tiny trichomes. If you face such problems, a magnifying glass is a must.

2. Leaf Colors

The beautiful fan leaves of the cannabis plant can tell a lot about the harvest time. This is another reliable sign used by many experienced growers to determine if it is an ideal time or not. The leaves change their colors and shades during the different developmental stages. When the plant reaches its flowering stage, these beautiful leaves turn green due to the increased nitrogen content in the plant body.

Once the flowering period ends, it is time to harvest hemp. The nitrogen content starts to decrease. This decline in nitrogen concentration in the plant body leads to the yellowing of the leaves. If the leaves of the plant are still green, it is still too early for the harvest.

3. Curling Leaves

This clue might not be heard of very often, but some experts use it too. Once your plant starts changing the color of its leaves, they might also start to dry out or curl in a certain direction. This is because, as the harvest time approaches, your cannabis plant stops consuming large amounts of moisture.

4. Pistil Color

When you are conducting a trichome inspection, you should also examine the pistils. The pistils also change their color and turn brown when the plant reaches maturity. The pistils do not have to be completely brown. If they are partially brown, they are perfect for harvesting hemp. You may not be able to examine the color of the pistils without a magnifying glass, so keep one handy.

5. Bud Shape

The shape of the bud is not always a reliable sign to determine whether it is time for the harvest or not. However, some experts suggest that with a reasonable level of experience in cannabis cultivation, one can inspect the buds. The appearance of these buds can provide strong clues about the harvest time.

If the buds of the marijuana plant are firm, it is likely time to harvest the plant. From our experience, firm buds are often the best indicator of ripeness. Regularly checking the bud structure has shown us that this practice significantly improves the quality and potency of the harvest. Additionally, we've learned that firmer buds are less prone to mold and other issues, making the entire harvest process safer and more efficient.

Common Mistakes During Cannabis Harvest

Harvesting cannabis plants can be complicated, and it's easy to make mistakes. Here are some of the most common mistakes you should avoid:

1. Harvesting Too Early

A common mistake is harvesting the plants too early. When the trichomes are still clear, the plants have not yet reached their full potency.

2. Harvesting Too Late

On the other hand, waiting too long can also be problematic. When the trichomes are mostly amber, the cannabinoids can start to degrade, leading to a less potent harvest.

3. Insufficient Drying and Curing

Proper drying and curing are crucial for the quality of the buds. A common mistake is not allowing the plants to dry long enough or neglecting the curing process.

4. Improper Storage

After the harvest, it's important to store the buds correctly. Use airtight containers and store the buds in a cool, dark place to preserve their potency and aroma.

5. Poor Trimming

A sloppy trimming process can result in a lower-quality harvest. Make sure to remove excess leaves without damaging the buds.