Harvesting
Part of the free Stevie Weedseed grow guide. No paywall, no account, written by a working grower.
When to Harvest
Do not trust pistil color alone. The most accurate method is checking trichomes with a jeweler's loupe ($8 on Amazon).
Clear trichomes: Too early. Low potency.
Cloudy or milky trichomes: Peak THC. Energetic, cerebral effect.
Amber trichomes: THC degrading to CBN. More sedative, body effect.
Most growers harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with 10-20% amber. That is the sweet spot for potency and effect.
Clear trichomes: Too early. Low potency.
Cloudy or milky trichomes: Peak THC. Energetic, cerebral effect.
Amber trichomes: THC degrading to CBN. More sedative, body effect.
Most growers harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with 10-20% amber. That is the sweet spot for potency and effect.
Flushing
If using synthetic nutrients: water with plain pH'd water for the final 7-14 days. This allows the plant to use up stored nutrients, which improves flavor and smoothness.
If using living soil or organics: flushing is less necessary since the soil biology handles nutrient delivery naturally.
Leaves will yellow during flush. This is normal. The plant is consuming its own reserves.
If using living soil or organics: flushing is less necessary since the soil biology handles nutrient delivery naturally.
Leaves will yellow during flush. This is normal. The plant is consuming its own reserves.
Cutting & Trimming
Whole plant harvest: Cut at the base, hang the entire plant upside down. Simpler, slower drying (better).
Branch harvest: Cut individual branches. Easier to handle, more controlled drying.
Wet trim: Remove leaves immediately after harvest. Faster drying, easier to trim. Most common method.
Dry trim: Dry first, trim later. Slower drying means potentially better terpene preservation. More work but some swear by it.
Branch harvest: Cut individual branches. Easier to handle, more controlled drying.
Wet trim: Remove leaves immediately after harvest. Faster drying, easier to trim. Most common method.
Dry trim: Dry first, trim later. Slower drying means potentially better terpene preservation. More work but some swear by it.