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The end of the cycle is just around the corner. During the 7th week of flowering, cannabis is in its critical phase before harvest. The buds have fattened, the resin has multiplied, and the trichomes are beginning to show signs of maturity. But beware! A mistake at this moment can affect the taste, potency, and final yield. In this article, we’ll explore what happens during this key week and the steps you should take to ensure a high-quality harvest.
When flowering begins and how long it lasts
The duration of cannabis flowering varies depending on the plant’s genetics, but it generally lasts between 7 and 12 weeks. Flowering begins when the plant shows the first signs of bud development. In feminized or regular plants, this occurs after switching the light cycle to 12 hours of darkness and 12 hours of light. In automatic strains, flowering begins automatically after a vegetative growth period.
The first visible signs are the appearance of small white pistils (hairs) at the plant’s nodes. From the appearance of these pistils, it is considered that the plant has entered the first week of flowering. The duration of flowering depends on the cannabis strain:
- Indica strains. These tend to have a shorter flowering period, generally from 7 to 9 weeks.
- Sativa strains. These usually require a longer flowering period, ranging from 9 to 12 weeks or even more.
- Hybrid strains. The flowering duration of hybrid strains will depend on whether they are more indica or sativa dominant.
How to know when flowering has started?
Here are the signs that the plant has entered the flowering phase:
- Change in growth pattern. The plant stops growing in height and begins to focus its energy on developing the buds.
- Appearance of pistils. Small white hairs start appearing at the nodes of the plant, which are the precursors to the buds.
- Bud development. The buds begin to form and increase in size.
- Changes in aroma. The plant’s scent intensifies and becomes more distinctive.
Typically, in week 7 of flowering, trichomes change from clear to milky, indicating that cannabinoids are at their optimal level.
When are the buds ready to harvest?
The exact timing of the harvest depends on several factors, such as the cannabis strain (sativa, indica, or hybrid) and growing conditions. However, most strains are ready for harvest between week 7 of flowering and week 9.
To determine the ideal harvest time, inspect the trichomes with a magnifying glass or portable microscope (x60 or x100). The trichomes change from clear to a milky color and eventually amber. When 70-80% of the trichomes are amber, it’s the perfect time to harvest. If you’re looking for a more cerebral effect, harvest when most of them are milky. For a more physical, relaxing effect, wait until 20-30% are amber. A staggered harvest is also an option to enjoy both effects.
| Trichome State | Final Effect |
| Clear | Psychoactive, immature |
| Milky | Balance between euphoria and relaxation |
| Amber | More relaxing and sedative |
Tricks to speed up cannabis maturation
If you want to slightly speed up the maturation process, here are some professional tips:
- Increase darkness hours. Reduce the light hours to 10-11 hours per day during the last weeks of flowering. This simulates the end of summer and stimulates the plant to mature faster.
- Use specific stimulants. These are known as flowering fertilizers. Products like PK 13-14 or fulvic acid can help speed up maturation and enhance resin production. Two products that work are Resin Boom or Brutal Buds.
- Control the temperature. Keep the temperature between 68-79°F during the day and 64-72°F at night. Cooler temperatures at night can speed up maturation.
- Reduce stress. Avoid excessive pruning or handling of the plant during this phase, as stress can delay maturation.
What happens in week 7 of flowering?
Week 7 of flowering is a transitional time when the buds reach their maximum size and begin to accumulate resin. However, it is also the time to make certain adjustments in plant care to ensure a high-quality harvest.
The Importance of root washing
Root washing is a crucial step during week 7 of flowering. It involves removing excess nutrients from the substrate to improve the flavor and smoothness of the buds. If not done, the buds may have a bitter or chemical taste due to mineral salt buildup.
Step-by-Step root washing
How do you perform this crucial root washing step that must be done during week 7 of flowering? Here are the steps you need to carefully follow.
- Prepare water with balanced pH (6.0-6.5). Ensure the water is chlorine-free and free from other chemicals. You can let the water rest for 24 hours or use a carbon filter. While not required, you can add a specific product to the water to help perform a deep root wash.
- Water the plant abundantly. Use double or triple the amount of water you normally would. The goal is for the water to flow through the substrate and exit clean through the drainage holes.
- Repeat the process for 2-3 days. Continue watering with clean water until you notice the buds start losing some of their deep green color. This indicates that the nutrients have been flushed out.
Why do leaves turn yellow after root washing?
It is completely normal for some leaves, especially the older ones, to turn yellow after root washing. This happens for the following reasons:
- Lack of nutrients. During root washing, accumulated nutrients in the substrate are removed. By eliminating these nutrients, older leaves (which are the first to show deficiencies) begin to yellow because the plant no longer has access to the nutrients it needs to stay green and healthy.
- Mobilization of nutrients. Plants have the ability to move nutrients from older leaves to younger, more active parts like the buds. When nutrients are scarce due to root washing, the plant “sacrifices” the older leaves to redirect the nutrients toward the buds.
While it might seem like a bad sign, yellowing leaves are a clear sign that the plant is focused on bud production, and this indicates that the final phase is approaching.
Why do leaves turn yellow after root washing?
It is completely normal for some leaves, especially the older ones, to turn yellow after root washing. This happens for the following reasons:
- Lack of nutrients. During root washing, accumulated nutrients in the substrate are removed. As these nutrients are eliminated, the older leaves (which are the first to show deficiencies) begin to yellow because the plant no longer has access to the nutrients it needs to stay green and healthy.
- Nutrient mobilization. Plants have the ability to move nutrients from older leaves to younger, more active parts, such as the buds. When nutrients become scarce due to root washing, the plant “sacrifices” the older leaves to redirect the remaining nutrients toward the buds, which are its priority at this stage.
- Controlled stress. Root washing in week 7 of flowering is a form of controlled stress applied to the plant to improve the quality of the harvest. Although the yellowing of leaves may seem concerning, it is actually a sign that the root washing process is working correctly. The plant is using its internal nutrient reserves, which contributes to better flavor and smoother combustion in the buds.
What fertilizers should be applied and when?
During flowering, it’s important to adjust the nutrients based on the phase:
- Weeks 1-6: Use fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium to stimulate bud growth.
- Week 7: Starting from week 7 of flowering, gradually reduce nutrients and begin root washing. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as they can affect the flavor of the buds.
There are special fertilizers for this stage, like Big Boom, which can be applied from the first week until after week 7 of flowering, simply adjust the dosage according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to harvest cannabis
Harvesting is the most awaited moment for any cannabis grower. After weeks of care, attention, and dedication, the time finally comes to reap the rewards of your hard work. However, harvesting is not just about waiting until week 7 of flowering to cut the plants and save the buds. It is a meticulous process that must be done with patience and care.
What tools are needed?
Harvesting cannabis requires specific tools to ensure the process is clean, precise, and efficient. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Pruning scissors. These should be small and sharp scissors to work with greater detail, especially in dense and resinous areas. It’s also recommended that they have a non-stick coating to prevent resin from sticking.
- Latex or nitrile gloves. The resin from the buds is extremely sticky and can be hard to wash off. Using gloves will help keep your hands clean and prevent resin from sticking to your skin. Additionally, nitrile gloves protect the buds from oils and natural bacteria on your hands, which helps maintain the quality of the final product.
- Clean containers. You’ll need containers to place the buds once they’ve been cut. Use clean, dry trays or baskets to prevent contamination. If you plan to manicure the buds immediately after harvest, prepare one container for leaf trimmings and another for clean buds.
How to dry cannabis?
Drying is one of the most critical stages of the harvest process. If done correctly, it enhances the flavor, aroma, and potency of the buds. If done poorly, it can ruin months of work. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Cut the main branches. Once you’ve harvested the plants, cut the main branches into manageable sections. There’s no need to separate the buds from the branches at this point.
- Hang the branches upside down. Place the branches in a dark, cool, and well-ventilated space. You can use strings, wires, or hangers to hang them. Make sure the buds aren’t too close together, as this can hinder air circulation and increase the risk of mold.
- Maintain relative humidity between 45-55%. Humidity is a key factor during drying. If the environment is too humid, the buds may develop mold. If it’s too dry, they’ll dry too quickly and lose flavor and potency. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity and adjust with a dehumidifier or humidifier if necessary.
- The drying process takes between 7-14 days. The buds are ready when the branches snap with a crisp sound when bent. If the branches bend without snapping, they need more time. Avoid drying the buds too quickly, as this can “trap” chlorophyll and give the final product a bitter taste.
What is trimming a bud?
Trimming a bud is the process of removing unwanted leaves and excess plant material surrounding the buds. This step is essential for improving the appearance, flavor, and overall quality of cannabis. The leaves removed during trimming are usually the fan leaves (large and with few trichomes) and the sugar leaves (small, covered in trichomes, but less potent than the buds).
Why Is trimming important?
Trimming improves the flavor because the fan leaves contain chlorophyll, which can give a harsh, bitter taste when smoked. Additionally, trimmed buds have a higher concentration of trichomes, meaning more cannabinoids (THC, CBD, etc.) and terpenes (responsible for aroma and flavor).
How do you trim a bud?
Trimming can be done immediately after harvest or after drying.
- Wet trimming. This is done immediately after harvest, when the leaves are still fresh and easy to cut. Use sharp pruning scissors to cut the fan leaves and sugar leaves near the bud. It’s quicker, and the leaves are easier to cut, though resin may stick more to the scissors and hands.
- Dry trimming. This is done after the buds have dried. The leaves are crisper and easier to separate from the bud. The resin is more solid, which makes the job easier and reduces waste, but it requires more time and patience.
How to store cannabis?
Once the buds are dried, it’s time to cure and store them properly. Curing is a process that enhances the flavor, aroma, and smoothness of the buds, and it also helps preserve their potency.
- Use airtight glass jars and fill them up to 75% of their capacity to leave room for air.
- Store in a cool, dark place. Light and heat can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing the quality of the buds.
- Open the jars daily during the first two weeks. This is done to release residual moisture. Open the jars for 10-15 minutes a day to allow air circulation.
- Curing can last from 2 weeks to several months. The longer you cure the buds, the better the flavor and smoothness will be.
How many harvests does a cannabis plant yield?
Depending on the variety and care, a cannabis plant can yield between 1 and 3 harvests per year. Autoflowering plants tend to have a shorter life cycle and can produce multiple harvests in a year, while photoperiodic varieties require more time.
As you can see, the period after the 7th week of cannabis flowering is intense and requires our care. Below, we summarize all the information in a table for clarity:
| Week | Care and Recommendations |
| Week 1 | – Transition to flowering: Reduce light hours to 12/12 (12 hours of light, 12 hours of darkness).- Nutrients: Start using fertilizers rich in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).- Watering: Maintain consistent watering, avoiding waterlogging. |
| Week 2 | – Pre-flower growth: The first pistils (on female plants) or pollen sacs (on male plants) appear.- Nutrients: Slightly increase the PK dosage.- Pruning: Remove leaves and lower branches that don’t receive light. |
| Week 3 | – Bud formation: Buds start to form at the nodes.- Nutrients: Maintain high PK levels and reduce nitrogen (N).- Environmental control: Keep humidity at 50-55% and temperature between 20-26°C. |
| Week 4 | – Bud swelling: Buds increase in size and density.- Nutrients: Continue with high PK levels.- Support: Place nets or stakes to support branches. |
| Week 5 | – Maximum resin production: Trichomes begin to form on the buds.- Nutrients: Slightly reduce fertilizers to avoid excess.- Watering: Ensure the substrate doesn’t dry out completely. |
| Week 6 | – Advanced maturation: Buds are almost at their final size.- Nutrients: Reduce fertilizers even further.- Pest control: Regularly check for pests or mold. |
| Week 7 | – Root washing: Begin root washing to remove excess nutrients.- Trichome observation: Use a magnifying glass to check trichomes (clear, milky, or amber).- Harvest preparation: Reduce humidity to 45% to prevent mold. |
| Week 8 | – Harvest (depending on the variety): Some varieties are ready to harvest.- Root washing: Continue washing if you haven’t harvested yet.- Final observation: Check trichomes to determine the optimal harvest time. |
| Week 9+ | – Harvest of late varieties: Some sativas or hybrids may need more time.- Drying and curing: Prepare the space for drying and curing the buds. |
Professional tips to improve your harvest
The cannabis harvest is the culmination of all the effort and dedication you’ve invested in your cultivation. However, to ensure an abundant and high-quality harvest, it is crucial to pay attention to the details and follow best practices at each stage of the process.
Identify the sex of your plants (if you’ve planted regular seeds)
One of the first steps to ensure a good harvest is to identify the sex of your plants, especially if you’ve used regular (non-feminized) seeds. Male plants do not produce buds, and if not removed in time, they can pollinate female plants, resulting in buds filled with seeds and lower quality. To identify the sex, look for pre-flowers that appear at the branch junctions. Female plants develop small white hairs (pistils), while males form pollen sacs.
Solve problems before flowering (pests, diseases, deficiencies)
Before your plants enter the flowering phase, it’s crucial to ensure they are free of pests, diseases, and nutritional deficiencies. Issues such as spider mites, aphids, powdery mildew, or nutrient deficiencies can severely affect bud development. Conduct regular inspections and apply preventive treatments, such as organic insecticides or natural fungicides. Also, adjust nutrients according to the plant’s needs to avoid deficiencies or excesses.
Make the transition to flowering as smooth as possible
The transition from the vegetative phase to flowering is a critical moment for the plant. To minimize stress, gradually reduce the light hours (from 18 to 12 hours daily) and adjust nutrients, increasing phosphorus and potassium while reducing nitrogen. Avoid transplanting or excessive pruning during this stage, as it can delay growth and affect the final yield.
Provide proper lighting
Lighting is one of the most important factors in cannabis cultivation, especially during flowering. Ensure your plants receive at least 12 hours of direct, high-quality light. If growing indoors, use full-spectrum LED lights that mimic natural sunlight and promote optimal growth. Place the lights at the correct distance to avoid burns and ensure all parts of the plant receive light evenly.
Don’t transplant right before flowering
Transplanting can be stressful for plants, especially if done just before flowering. If you need to transplant, do so at the end of the vegetative phase to give the plant time to recover before it starts producing buds. Poorly timed transplanting can delay growth and reduce yield; this post explains in detail when to transplant indoor plants.
Prune excess foliage
Strategic pruning is a technique that improves air circulation and light penetration to the lower parts of the plant. Remove large leaves that block light from the lower buds and remove weak or unproductive branches. This not only increases yield but also reduces the risk of mold and pests.
Maintain Humidity at 45%
During flowering, it’s crucial to control humidity levels to avoid issues like mold or bud rot. Keep humidity around 45% by using a dehumidifier if necessary. An overly humid environment can ruin your harvest, while one that’s too dry can affect bud growth.
Carefully control temperature
The ideal temperature for the flowering phase is between 20-26°C during the day and 18-22°C at night. Extreme temperatures can affect resin production and bud quality. Use fans, extractors, or heaters to maintain a stable environment and avoid drastic fluctuations.
Use an airflow system with carbon filters
Good airflow is essential to prevent mold and strengthen the plants. Install fans and extractors to maintain constant air circulation. If growing indoors, consider using carbon filters to control odors and maintain a clean environment.
Avoid nutrient burn
Excessive nutrients can cause “burns” on the leaves and affect the plant’s health. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and perform root washes if you notice signs of over-fertilization, such as burned leaf tips or yellowing leaves.
Provide support for heavy buds
Starting from the 7th week of flowering, as buds grow and fill with resin, they can become so heavy that branches bend or break. Use support nets, stakes, or ropes to hold branches and prevent damage. This is especially important for varieties with large, dense buds.
Avoid Light Burns
If the lights are too close to the plants, they can cause burns on the buds and leaves. Keep a safe distance between the lights and the top of the plants, adjusting the height as they grow.
Use fulvic acid during pre-flowering
Fulvic acid is a natural stimulant that enhances nutrient absorption and root growth. Applying it during pre-flowering can help the plant enter the flowering phase with more strength and vitality, resulting in larger, resinous buds.
The 7th week of flowering is a key moment in cannabis cultivation. With the right care, you can ensure an abundant and high-quality harvest. Don’t forget to follow our tips and stay tuned for upcoming blog posts to continue learning all the secrets of the cannabis world.
