The right time to harvest: When and how to harvest your plants for maximum yields
Harvesting is the crowning moment of the growing cycle - the moment every indoor grower works towards. But the success of your harvest depends heavily on when and how you harvest your plants. Timing is crucial to maximizing yield and improving flower quality. In this article, we'll show you how to tell when your plants are ready to harvest and give you practical tips on how to harvest properly.
1. Why is the right time to harvest so important?
The time of harvest determines the potency, aroma and yield of your plants. Harvesting too early can result in immature buds and lower potency, while harvesting too late can affect the taste and effect. The key is to find the optimal moment to maximize yield and ensure the quality of the buds.
Benefits of the right harvest time:
- Maximum potency: The concentration of active ingredients (especially in plants like cannabis) is highest when the plants are harvested at the right time.
- Optimal aroma and taste: The full aroma develops in the last days of ripening. The right harvest conditions improve the terpene profiles of your plants.
- High yield: Plants reach their full size and maximum weight when you harvest them at the optimal time.
2. Signs of the right time to harvest
There are several characteristics that will tell you when your plants are ready to harvest. Closely observing the plants and checking the flowers and trichomes (resin glands) are crucial to determining the optimal harvest time.
1. Observe the trichomes
Trichomes are the small resinous glands found on the flowers and leaves of your plants. They are an important indicator of maturity. You will need a magnifying tool, such as a microscope or magnifying glass, to closely examine the color of the trichomes.
- Clear: If the trichomes are clear and transparent, the plants are not yet ready for harvest. At this point, the THC content is still low.
- Milky/Cloudy: When the trichomes appear milky or cloudy, the plants have reached their peak drug content. This is the ideal time for a potent harvest.
- Amber: When the trichomes start to take on an amber tint, the CBN content is increasing, making the effects more sedative. This is the time to get a slightly more relaxing effect.
2. Condition of the pistils
The pistils are the fine hairs that protrude from the flowers. They change color during the ripening phase and are another good indicator of when it is time to harvest.
- White and upright pistils: If the pistils are still white and upright, the plant is not yet ripe.
- Brown and curled pistils: When about 70-90% of the pistils are brown and curled, the plant is ready for harvest. At this point, the flowers have reached full maturity.
3. General condition of the plant
The overall health and condition of the plant also indicates whether it is ready for harvest.
- Slowed growth: In the last few days before harvest, the growth of the plant slows down significantly as it focuses its energy on ripening the flowers.
- Leaf discoloration: It is normal for leaves to begin to turn yellow and die as plants near the end of their life cycle. This shows that the plant is putting its energy into flower production.
3. How to harvest your plants correctly
The method of harvesting is just as important as the timing. Careful harvesting not only maximizes yield but also preserves the quality of the flowers. Here are some tips on how to harvest your plants properly:
1. Tools and preparation
Before you start harvesting, make sure you have the right tools and materials on hand. Clean, sharp scissors or trimmers are necessary to cut the plants precisely without damaging the buds.
- Sharp shears: Use shears specifically designed for harvesting plants to make clean cuts and minimize damage.
- Gloves: To avoid resin deposits on your hands, wear gloves. This will also protect the flowers from contamination.
- Clean environment: Make sure the harvesting area is clean to avoid contamination.
2nd harvesting method
There are two common methods for harvesting plants: whole plant harvesting and gradual branch cutting.
- Whole plant harvest: This method involves cutting the entire plant at the base and hanging it upside down to dry. This is especially good for smaller plants.
- Branch harvesting method: For larger plants, you can cut the branches individually and hang them on drying racks or hooks. This method allows for more even drying, especially for large flowers.
3. Careful trimming
After cutting the plant, it is important to carefully trim the leaves around the flowers. This not only improves the appearance of the flowers, but also makes drying and curing easier.
- Wet trimming: Trimming immediately after harvest, before the flowers dry, allows for clean cuts and is easier because the leaves are still flexible.
- Dry trimming: You can also wait until the buds are slightly dry to trim the leaves. This often results in less resin loss, but can be more difficult as the leaves become more brittle.
4. After harvest: drying and curing
After harvesting, it is crucial to dry and cure the buds properly to avoid mold and maximize quality. Here are some tips for proper drying and curing:
1. Drying
- Temperature and humidity: The room in which you dry the plants should be cool (18-22°C) and well ventilated, with a humidity of 45-55%.
- Duration: Drying usually takes 7-10 days, depending on the size of the flowers and the environmental conditions.
2. Curing
After drying comes curing. This is a slow process where the flowers are kept in airtight containers at controlled humidity to maximize flavor and potency.
- Containers: Use glass jars or airtight containers and open them regularly (once a day) for the first two weeks to allow excess moisture to escape.
- Duration: The curing process should take at least 2-4 weeks to develop the full aroma and effect.
Conclusion
Choosing the right time and method to harvest is crucial to getting the most out of your plants. By paying close attention to the trichomes, pistils and general condition of the plants, you can find the optimal time to harvest your plants. With careful trimming, drying and curing, you will not only maximize the yield but also the quality of your harvest.