Hey growers! Harvest time is the climax of your growing project. To ensure you get the most out of your cannabis plants, it's important to know the right time to harvest and use the right drying and curing technique. In this post, you'll learn how to recognize the perfect harvest time and process your harvest in the best possible way.
Signs of the right time to harvest
Trichomes
Trichomes, the small resin crystals on the flowers, are the best indicator of harvest time. You'll need a magnifying glass or microscope to look at them closely.
- Clear: Trichomes are not ripe yet. Wait a little longer.
- Milky: Trichomes have reached their maximum potency. Now the THC content is at its highest.
- Amber: Trichomes begin to break down, causing THC levels to decrease but CBD levels to increase, resulting in a more relaxing effect.
pistil
Observe the pistils, the hair-like structures on the flowers.
- White stamps: The plant is not yet ripe.
- Brown and withdrawn stamps: Most of the pistils should be brown and retracted, indicating that the flowers are ripe.
leaves
The color of the leaves can also be an indicator.
- Yellowish leaves: The plant begins to use up its nutrients, which is a sign of maturity.
Step-by-step instructions for drying and curing
1. Harvest preparation
- Tools: Use clean, sharp scissors or trimmers.
- Vicinity: Make sure the drying room is well ventilated and has a temperature of about 18-22°C and a humidity of 45-55%.
2. Harvest
- Cut off the branches with the flowers and remove the large leaves.
- Hang the branches upside down on a clothesline or drying rack in the dark. Make sure the branches have enough space for air to circulate.
3. Drying
- Length of time: Drying usually takes 7-14 days.
- control: Check the flowers regularly. They are dry enough when the small branches crack easily when bent.
- Air circulation: Ensure good air circulation, but avoid direct ventilation on the flowers to prevent mold growth.
4. Trimming
- After the flowers have dried, carefully remove the remaining leaves (sugar leaves) with scissors or a trimmer.
- The trimmed flowers are now ready for curing.
5. Curing
- Glasses: Place the dried flowers in airtight jars. Fill the jars to about 75% to ensure sufficient air circulation.
- storage: Store the jars in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature of about 20°C.
- Ventilate: Open the jars for 15-30 minutes daily for the first two weeks to let fresh air in and allow excess moisture to escape.
- Length of time: Curing should take at least 2-4 weeks to achieve the best quality and taste.
6. Long-term storage
- Once cured, the flowers can be stored in airtight containers, ideally at a humidity level of around 62% to preserve potency and flavor.
Conclusion
Proper harvesting and post-processing techniques are crucial to the quality of your cannabis. By identifying the perfect harvest time and following the drying and curing steps, you can ensure that your harvest is potent, aromatic and pleasant to the taste. Visit our Online Head Shopto find the best seeds and accessories for your grow.
Happy Harvesting! 🌿💪
