When to harvest cannabis buds

Knowing when to harvest cannabis buds is essential to getting the best yield from your crop. It is an art that combines observation, patience, and knowledge. Harvesting your plants at the right time not only maximizes bud quality but also ensures an optimal balance between potency, flavor, and effect.

How to know when your plant is ready to harvest?

Observing the plant is key to determining the right moment. Here are the two main methods you should follow:

Observing the pistils

The pistils are those small white “hairs” that grow out of the buds. As the plant matures:

• The white pistils begin to darken and curl inward into the bud.
• When between 70% and 90% of the pistils have changed color (usually to brown or orange), the plant is near its optimal harvest point.

Note: This method is more visual and may not be as precise as analyzing the trichomes.

Trichome analysis

Trichomes are those tiny resin glands that cover the buds and nearby leaves. Their color and appearance change as the plant matures:

• Clear trichomes: The plant is not ready yet. At this stage, THC has not reached its peak concentration.
• Milky trichomes: THC is at its highest level. This is the ideal time if you are looking for a more euphoric and energizing effect.
• Amber trichomes: THC begins to degrade into CBN, which produces a more relaxing and sedative effect. This is the perfect time for those who prefer a deep body high.

Tip: Use a jeweler’s loupe or a portable microscope (at least 40x magnification) to observe the trichomes in detail.

It is advisable to harvest cannabis buds when the trichome heads are fully round, waiting until they resemble an overinflated balloon. This is when the plant contains the highest amount of cannabinoids and should be cut before degradation begins.

As for color, it is best to harvest when 80% to 90% of the trichomes are milky and about 10% are amber. This preserves the original effect of each strain.

Seed Bank references

Whenever you purchase marijuana seeds or other types, such as CBD seeds or hemp seeds, it is crucial to pay attention to the dates and recommendations provided by the seed bank. These banks usually offer valuable information about each strain’s characteristics and life cycle, guiding growers to optimize their production.

Although these dates are an excellent guideline, remember they are approximations. The development of plants is influenced by various factors such as growing method (indoor or outdoor), climate conditions, latitude, and applied care. Use this information as a starting point and combine it with your observations to determine the perfect harvest time.

What happens when marijuana is harvested at the wrong time?

These indicators can help find the ideal time to harvest cannabis plants. However, harvesting too early or too late can negatively affect the final result. Below, we explore the specific consequences of each case:

Early harvest

Harvesting marijuana too early can be tempting, especially for those seeking quick results, but this severely compromises the final product’s quality. The main consequences include:

• Lower flavor and aroma intensity: Terpenes, responsible for the aromatic profile, do not reach full development, resulting in buds with a less complex taste and smell.
• Immature buds: Trichomes are still mostly clear, indicating low cannabinoid levels, leading to weaker potency.
• Smaller and less dense buds: The buds tend to be smaller, fluffier, and lack the weight and density of fully matured flowers.
• Less defined effect: Since the cannabinoids have not reached their peak, the effects will be milder and less consistent.

Indicators of a premature harvest:

• Trichomes mostly transparent under the magnifying glass.
• White pistils, straight and not curled towards the bud.

Late harvest: when marijuana “over-matures”

On the other hand, if you delay harvesting too much, the marijuana becomes over-mature. This happens because THC oxidizes into CBN, causing it to lose its characteristic effects. As a result, the plant will:

• Muted flavor and aroma: Terpenes start to oxidize and degrade, leading to buds with a weaker taste and scent.
• Effect change: THC converts into CBN, a cannabinoid with more sedative and less psychoactive properties. This creates a heavier, deeply relaxing effect.
• Aged appearance: Trichomes turn dark amber, and pistils become brown and dry, indicating the plant has passed its peak.

When harvest of cannabis buds is delayed, cannabinoids and terpenes begin to break down due to factors such as exposure to light, oxygen, and time. This decreases potency and alters the chemical balance of the bud.

Indicators of a late harvest:

• Trichomes mostly amber under a magnifying glass.
• Brown, withered pistils that no longer protrude from the buds.

Recommendations to harvest cannabis buds

With all the information mentioned above and the guidelines from the seed bank, you must decide the best time to cut. Ideally, for proper maturation, it is best to flush the roots about 10 days before harvest and reduce both light intensity and temperature. The goal is for the plant to grow correctly so that it can be cut all at once, ensuring maximum quality.

It is difficult to determine when to cut marijuana and proceed with the harvest, but by following these parameters, you can estimate the best moment to do so.

Common harvesting mistakes and how to avoid them

1. Harvesting too early: This results in less potent buds with an immature flavor. Be sure to observe the trichomes and pistils before cutting.
2. Ignoring hygiene: Dirty tools can transfer pathogens or damage the buds.
3. Rushing the drying process: Drying buds in a place that is too hot or lacks ventilation can ruin the flavor and potency.