Best Practices for Harvesting CannabisUpdated 6 months ago
Harvesting cannabis correctly is crucial to preserving potency, flavor, and overall quality. Here’s a detailed guide on best practices for harvesting cannabis, with a focus on questions you might have during the process and their answers.
1. How Do I Know When My Plants Are Ready?
- Growth Stages: Cannabis goes through various stages, from pre-flowering, where sex is identified (around 6 weeks in), to the flowering stage, which typically lasts 6-12 weeks based on the strain.
- Trichome Color: Use a magnifying lens (at least 60x magnification) to inspect trichomes on the buds. Harvest when most trichomes are milky/cloudy for peak THC levels. Approximately 15-30% amber trichomes indicate a more sedative high.
- Pistil Color: While less reliable, pistils turning from white to reddish-brown can also suggest readiness. Aim for 70-90% darkened pistils.
1. What Tools and Set-Up Do I Need?
- Tools: Sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears are essential for cutting plants and trimming buds. Wear old clothes or a disposable apron as trichomes are sticky.
- Workspace: Ensure your harvesting area is clean, well-ventilated, and away from direct sunlight to avoid contamination and sub-optimal processing conditions.
2. How Should I Prepare the Plants?
- Flushing: Stop using nutrients 1-2 weeks before harvest and flush with plain, pH-balanced water. This removes residual nutrients and enhances flavor.
- Dark Period: Some growers use a 24-48 hour dark period to potentially boost resin production before harvesting.
1. Should I Cut the Whole Plant or Individual Branches?
- Whole Plant Method: Cut the plant at its base for hanging the entire plant upside down.
- Branch-by-Branch Method: Cut individual branches to make processing more manageable. Handle plants carefully to avoid bud damage.
2. Should I Wet Trim or Dry Trim?
- Wet Trimming: Trimming leaves immediately after cutting the plant allows for easier handling due to moist leaves and faster drying times. However, be cautious as this can lead to a harsher smoke if not monitored closely.
- Dry Trimming: Waiting to trim leaves until after drying can help retain terpenes and result in a smoother smoke. Expect more tedious trimming as leaves curl around the buds.
1. What Are Ideal Drying Conditions?
- Humidity: Maintain 55-65% RH to prevent mold and ensure slow, even drying.
- Temperature: Keep the environment between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
- Airflow: Ensure air circulation without direct airflow on the buds, using oscillating fans for gentle and even airflow.
2. What Drying Methods Should I Use?
- Hanging: Hang plants or branches upside down in a dark room, using clotheslines or specialized drying racks.
- Racks or Trays: Useful in limited space, ensure buds are spaced evenly. Mesh racks work effectively to facilitate airflow.
3. How Do I Know When My Cannabis is Dried Correctly?
- Drying Time: Typically takes 7-14 days. Larger buds may take longer.
- Readiness Check: Stems should snap rather than bend. Buds should be dry to the touch but not brittle.
1. What Benefits Does Curing Offer?
- Curing improves flavor, aroma, and potency while reducing harshness by allowing compounds like chlorophyll to break down. Proper curing significantly enhances the end product.
2. How Should I Cure My Cannabis?
- Containers: Use glass jars with airtight seals. Avoid plastic bags to prevent sweating and degradation.
- Filling Jars: Fill jars approximately ¾ full to promote airflow and minimize light exposure. Do not pack buds tightly.
- Humidity Packs: Consider using products like Boveda packs to maintain around 62% RH.
3. How Often Should I "Burp" My Jars?
- Frequency: Open jars daily for the first 1-2 weeks, then gradually decrease to weekly. This allows excess moisture and gases to escape.
- Duration: Leave jars open for about 10-15 minutes each time.
- Total Curing Time: Aim for 2-4 weeks, though extended curing up to several months can greatly enhance quality.
1. What is the Best Way to Store Cannabis?
- Store cured buds in a cool, dark place using airtight containers. Consider vacuum sealing for long-term storage. Avoid plastic bags as they can cause sweating and mold growth.
2. How Can I Ensure Quality Control?
- Inspect periodically for mold or degradation. High-quality cannabis should have a consistent color and potent aroma.
- Ensure buds remain dry and properly stored. Monitor for signs of excessive dryness or humidity changes.
1. How Do I Prevent and Handle Mold and Mildew?
- Prevention: Maintain optimal humidity and air circulation. Avoid physical damage during trimming.
- Action: Remove and safely dispose of any moldy buds immediately to prevent spread.
2. What Should I Do If My Cannabis is Over-Dried?
- Prevention: Monitor drying conditions closely. Use hygrometers for accuracy.
- Action: Rehydrate slightly using humidity packs during curing, but be cautious to avoid mold reentry.
3. How Can I Ensure Even Drying?
- Prevention: Allow ample space for airflow around each bud. Rotate plants or buds in the drying area.
- Action: Adjust airflow and spacing as needed. Consider using drying racks for better space utilization.
4. What Can I Do About Harsh Smoke?
- Prevention: Proper flushing before harvest, alongside careful drying and curing.
- Action: Extend the curing period to allow more time for unwanted compounds to break down, resulting in a smoother smoke.