The perfect time to harvest cannabis is when its buds have achieved the highest or desired level of cannabinoid potency. That’s the long and short of it. And whether you’re planning to enjoy it yourself or sell, you’ll want buds with an undeniable bag appeal.
So, how do you know that your plants have reached peak potency?
That’s the trick, and the answer is not simple. It takes a trained eye to read the visual cues, along with some general knowledge about how long different strains, such as indica or sativa, typically take to mature.
There are also mixed signals that can be even more confusing. For example, what happens when the pistils have darkened but are still sticking straight out? Should they be harvested or waited for? And when MUST you harvest to avoid losing your entire crop?
Should you harvest before daybreak, or should you wait until late afternoon when the plants have the least amount of dew on them and are, therefore, less likely to mold?
And there’s some old-school wisdom passed down through grower circles like “never harvest during a full moon.” Stick around, and you will find out whether there’s any truth to this or if it’s just folklore.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Indicas mature faster than sativas, so they are harvested earlier.
- You want to harvest your cannabis when the cannabinoids (think THC, CBD) are at peak potency.
- You need a trained eye to spot trichomes and pistils that are ripe for harvest.
- Harvesting before daybreak (or lights on) before photosynthesis starts helps to maximize potency.
- Some growers follow traditional advice, such as avoiding full moon harvests, although the evidence is mixed.
When to Harvest Cannabis For Highest Potency & Peak Aroma?
Knowing when to harvest cannabis for the highest potency and peak aroma requires a sharp eye and lots of patience to muster the drill. To get your timing right, the first thing you need to study is the trichomes, as this is where potency and aroma reside.
Trichomes change their color throughout the growth process. They are at their peak potency when they become foggy or milky white. You want to harvest when about 70% of the trichomes have reached this stage.
Most growers use a jeweler’s loupe (which costs under $10) to observe the trichomes, as they are usually not visible to the naked eye. You will scrutinize the structure of the trichomes, focusing on those that are mushroom-shaped. Check their appearance, density, and color.
Serious growers may want to invest in a portable potency tester; the tcheck 3 costs about $320 on Amazon. Actual testing is the most accurate method for determining potency. This is a smart move since cannabinoid levels can vary from plant to plant, even within the same crop.
Timing your harvest also means considering moisture levels. Outdoor growers should avoid rainy days to reduce the risk of bud rot. And whatever you do, don’t harvest during a full moon. The lunar pull increases water content in the stems, which can raise humidity levels and increase the risk of mold. For best results, harvest just before or after a new moon.
What time of day is best to harvest cannabis?
It is advisable to harvest just before daybreak, before photosynthesis kicks in and starts interfering with cannabinoid and terpene levels.
Here are the rest of the methods for determining the best time to harvest cannabis buds at their peak.
Method 1: Pistil Method (Look at the Hairs)
Pistils are the female organs of a flower. Although tiny, they are composed of three parts: the stigma, style, and ovary. These white, wispy, and slender queens catch pollen from male plants when they are in their prime.
Initially, pistils are white and stand straight out from the buds. As the plant matures, these hairs begin to change color, transitioning through shades of yellow, orange, red, and eventually brown or amber. At the end of their journey, they lose their vibrancy and curl in, totally giving up the fight. At this point, you have nothing else to wait for.
Stage One
Pistils are white and straight. The plant is still developing, and the trichomes are not mature. Too early to harvest.
Stage Two (Ripe for Harvest)
Approximately 70% of the pistils have darkened to orange, red, or brown and are beginning to curl inward. This usually indicates the plant is ripe and ready to harvest.
The curling happens because the pistils have fulfilled their reproductive function and start to wither as the buds mature.
Are pistils giving mixed signals?
But what if your pistils are giving mixed signals, amber in color but still sticking straight out? Mature pistils should be amber in color and curled inward, not protruding outward. In such a case, you will need to counter-check with the trichomes.
Method 2: Trichome Method
The trichome method is considered the gold standard for knowing when to harvest cannabis. These tiny mushroom-shaped glands that decorate your buds and sugar leaves hold the precious cannabinoids as well as terpenes.
Stages of Trichome Development:
Stage One: Clear Trichomes
During the vegetative stage, trichomes are typically small and transparent. As they enter the flowering stage, they grow larger and sparkle. As breathtaking as they are, wait a bit before you start harvesting.
Stage Two: Cloudy Trichomes (Harvest Time)
During the later phase of flowering, the trichomes should change from clear to a milky, cloudy/ foggy color. This signifies peak cannabinoid and terpene potency. The ideal time to harvest is when most of the trichomes have become cloudy.
Stage Three: Amber Trichomes
In their later development, the trichomes will start to oxidize, changing from milky white to amber. At this point, you can still harvest even when approximately 30% of trichomes have turned amber.
How long does it take for foggy trichomes to turn amber?
Once trichomes have turned cloudy, it takes around 7 to 14 days for them to begin turning amber. This window will, however, vary depending on the strain; indicas tend to amber up faster than sativas.
How long does it take trichomes to change color overall?
From clear to amber, you’re looking at roughly 3 to 4 weeks during the late flowering stage.
Harvest Timing Options & Their Effects
The right harvesting time is more of a gradual spectrum than a fixed point. Here’s why:
Early Harvest When Most Trichomes Are Clear = More Energizing, Lower Yields
You can opt to harvest your buds when most trichomes are still clear or just starting to turn cloudy if what you’re looking for is a more sativa-like feel. At this point, THC and other cannabinoids haven’t fully developed. You are likely to get a powerful mental high but with very few bodily effects from this kind of harvest.
This is ideal for daytime consumers looking for a lighter, more functional experience. This can also be ideal for outdoor growers seeking to beat mold, rain, or frost. However, you should be aware that yields at this point tend to be lower.
Mid-Window When Most Trichomes Are Cloudy = Max Potency, Most Balanced Effects
The sweet spot for most growers falls in the mid-harvest window. At this point, trichomes are mostly cloudy, with a small percentage (10–30%) beginning to turn amber. The buds should be dense, aromatic, and visually appealing. This is when THC concentration is at its peak and terpene production is well-developed.
Late Harvest When Most Trichomes Are Amber = More Sedating, Heavier Body Effect
You could allow your cannabis to mature past the optimal window, aiming for over 50% of amber trichomes. At this stage, most of the Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will have degraded into cannabinol (CBN), which is known for its sedative effects.
This means that a late harvest is more likely to produce a “couch-lock,” ideal for those seeking deep physical relaxation. As for visual appeal, these buds tend to be darker and less visually appealing.
However, note that delaying harvest too long can also risk bud rot, especially in humid conditions. This may also compromise flavor as some terpenes begin to degrade.
Special Cases = Stressed Buds or Other Variables
Sometimes, harvest timing is influenced by factors outside your control. If a plant is stressed due to pests, nutrient deficiencies, extreme weather, or genetic instability, this may lead to delayed or uneven maturity. You may also be forced to harvest earlier in case your crop is compromised.
Some growers also choose to stagger their harvests. They first begin by harvesting the top colas and letting the lower buds ripen a bit longer. Indoor growers often use techniques such as “dark periods,” defoliation, or schwazzing to manipulate maturity and potency.
Indica vs. Sativa Maturity Timelines
Indica and Sativa cannabis strains mature at different rates. Indica strains typically mature faster, taking between 7 to 9 weeks to become “harvest-ready.” The best time to harvest indicas is when most of the trichomes are milky, and some have turned amber. This will give you a full-bodied couch-lock experience.
Sativa strains typically require a longer flowering period, typically 10 to 12 weeks. Some strains take up to sixteen weeks. The best time to harvest sativas for a potent head buzz is when most of the trichomes are foggy, but about 30% are still clear and sparkly.
Preparing for Cannabis Harvest
WEEKS 10–14: What to Look For
Regardless of strain, most cannabis will get into the final stretch from around weeks 10 to 14 of flowering. This is crunch time, where even small decisions can make or break your harvest.
Below are the key things that answer the question, “When is the best time to harvest cannabis?”
Eyeballing Plant Signals
In the final weeks, your plant begins to “speak to you,” and you need to listen keenly. Starting with the fan leaves, as harvest nears, they will begin to yellow or fall off. Don’t mistake the yellowing for a nutrient deficiency; this is a natural phenomenon as the plant redirects energy from photosynthesis to the buds. Yellowing fan leaves is a normal, healthy sign of maturity.
Inspect leaves daily. Don’t wait until all green growth is gone or parts of buds are dying. Harvest when you see the early signs.
Also, look for environmental stress. If the buds appear burned (this could be due to grow lights being too close) or random parts start browning from bud rot, you must act now. Mold spreads quickly. If in doubt, cut your losses before potency and appearance are affected.
Trichome Magnification
Inspect your trichomes closely using a magnifying device such as a 60x magnification loupe or digital microscope. The trichomes you care about resemble little mushrooms with a bulbous head, where most of the THC, CBD, and terpenes are hidden. Ignore the tiny hair-like ones without heads; they don’t affect potency.
Dark Period Before Harvest
Many growers swear by the 48 to 72-hour dark period just before harvest. The thinking behind this is that depriving the plant of light “shocks” it into final survival mode. This last-ditch effort will force the plant to direct more energy to resin production. The result will be larger colas with higher potency.
Here’s how to do it.
Place your plant in complete darkness, ensuring there are no light leaks. Suitable locations include a bathroom, closet, or grow tent. You might consider towel-drying the door, similar to how college students do when they want to smoke. Additionally, you can run a fan gently to control humidity and minimize odors.
Should you starve and flash your cannabis before harvest?
Yes, you could. This is another time-tested trick by master growers. About 5 to 9 days before harvest, stop giving nutrients to your plants. This process, known as “starving,” forces the plant to utilize its stored nutrients, resulting in a smoother smoke and cleaner flavor with reduced chlorophyll content.
During this window, also flush your plant with plain, pH-balanced water to remove residual fertilizers and salts, resulting in a cleaner smoke. When flushing, keep the root zone moist and not soaked to prevent bud rot.
Using Ice Cubes Before Darkness
Some growers go one step further and use ice cubes for the final watering. Simply place the ice cubes on the soil and let them melt gradually. Why ice cubes? The theory is that cold stress simulates winter and hence signals the plant to go into overdrive and ramp up the production of terpenes and cannabinoids. It is more like what the dark period does: extra stress.
Other Maturity Signs
Yellowing fan leaves, especially near the bottom of the plant, signal that you’re in the home stretch. This is the time to start defoliating gradually, starting with the leaves that are completely dead or crispy and falling off.
Other important maturity signs include:
- Browning or curling pistils
- Swollen calyxes
- Strong, pungent aroma
- Slower water uptake
Referencing Seed Datasheets
Seed bank datasheets give you an estimated flowering time. Most seed banks or breeders provide these datasheets online or in person, depending on how you acquired your cannabis seeds.
You should use that as a guide and not a rule. Your specific growing conditions will influence the harvesting window. However, your harvesting time should not be so far away from what was recommended in the referencing data sheets.
Gathering Tools You’ll Need
Harvesting cannabis is an intricate art and science. To achieve nugs with that bag appeal, you will need to start with the right tools on hand.
Here’s a basic harvesting starter kit:
1. Pruning Shears
Basic pruning shears from your local store will suffice, but they must be sharp. Opt for ergonomic handles and stainless steel blades to make cutting branches and larger stems easy without damaging the buds.
2. Trimming Scissors
Once you have finished with the shears, you will need a pair of scissors with sharp, narrow blades. This is for removing excess leaves and also shaping the buds to give them that eye appeal. This process takes time, so go for scissors with a comfortable grip.
3. Nitrile Gloves
Harvesting is a sticky job. Nitrile gloves protect your hands from sticky resin and also prevent contamination of your buds with dirt or bacteria. They will also improve your grip while trimming.
4. Pocket Microscope or Loupe
You will need this to inspect the maturity of your trichomes. Use a magnifying glass with a magnification of 60x or higher.
5. Drying Racks
Once you have cut your plants, you will need to hang them to dry. For this, you will need racks.
6. Thermometer and Hygrometer
Monitoring temperature and humidity during drying helps avoid mold and preserves terpene profiles. Aim for a humidity level of around 60% and a temperature range of 60-70°F (15-21°C).
7. Harvesting Trays
Once you have trimmed your buds to beautiful sizes, you will need to organize them in trays to keep your workspace clean.
8. Cleaning Supplies
Maintain a good supply of alcohol wipes or cleaning solutions to sanitize your tools both during and after use, preventing contamination.
9. Storage Containers and Labels
Before you wrap up the process, you will need to cure your buds and later store them. Use airtight glass jars or food-grade containers for this. Ensure to label them with details such as strain name and harvest dates.
How to Harvest Marijuana: Step-by-Step
Now that you have established your nugs are ready for harvest, you have also assembled all the necessary tools. Here’s how to go about it:
Step 1: Cut Branches (or Whole Plant)
Depending on your drying setup, you could either cut the entire plant from the base or just cut off the branches. For this, you will need your pruning shears. Ensure they are sharp to achieve clean cuts. Handle the branches gently to avoid damaging the trichomes.
Step 2: Trim Fan Leaves
Fan leaves don’t contain much resin and can slow drying if left on. They can also interfere with airflow and increase the risk of mold. Use the same shears to cut them off.
Step 3: Trim Sugar Leaves
Sugar leaves are the smaller leaves that grow close to the buds. Use a pair of scissors to trim them off, enhancing the appearance and quality of your final product. You can save trimmed sugar leaves for making concentrates or edibles, as they still contain small amounts of cannabinoids.
Step 4: Hang Branches
Once trimmed, hang the branches upside down on your drying racks. The racks should be placed in a dark room with adequate ventilation. You can use a fan to ensure optimal air circulation. Make sure the room is not damp. Use your thermometer and hygrometer to maintain temperatures around 60-70°F (15-21°C) and humidity near 50-60%.
Step 5: Collect Leftovers (e.g., Sugar Leaves)
Don’t throw your trim. They contain cannabinoids and terpenes that you can use in extracts, edibles, or concentrates. Find a cool, dark place to stash them away.
Extra cannabis harvest tips: Bud Washing
Should You Wash Your Buds After Harvesting?
Some growers prefer to wash their buds after harvesting to get rid of dirt, bugs, mold spores, bird droppings, and pesticide residue. This just gives you a cleaner and safer product.
This is how to do it:
Assemble the following:
1. 3 x 5-gallon buckets
2. 2–3 bottles of 3% hydrogen peroxide
3. Clean water (room temp or slightly cool)
Bucket 1: Mix ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide per 5 gallons of water. Dunk one branch at a time in the peroxide solution and swirl it in a circular motion for about 30 seconds.
Buckets 2: Fill with clean water. Dunk the branches from bucket 1 and swirl again for 30 seconds. Then, remove.
Buckets 3: Fill with clean water. Repeat the dunk and swirl again for a final rinse.Gently shake off excess water, allow all the water to drip, then move to the drying racks.
Drying, Trimming, and Curing Your Buds
Hang Dry vs. Rack Dry
Hang drying is the traditional method where whole branches or plants are suspended upside down in a well-ventilated, dark space. This is a slow process that takes 7 to 14 days for the plants to completely dry. It gives ample time for the sugars and starches to break down gradually, resulting in enhanced flavor.
Rack drying involves laying trimmed buds or branches on mesh trays or screens. The process is usually faster and takes between 5 to 10 days. This requires more horizontal space to lay out the trays. It also requires upfront trimming of the sugar leaves.
Both methods work well, so the choice depends on your setup, space, and harvest size.
Wet Trim vs. Dry Trim
Wet trimming refers to removing sugar leaves while they are still wet. This helps to speed up the drying process and reduces the risk of mold since smaller leaves dry faster. It is suitable for rack drying.
Dry trimming, on the other hand, is done after the buds have already been dried. It is ideal for hang-drying and helps preserve terpenes. Since it requires more time, growers need to plan well in advance.
Mold, Bud Rot, and Sample Trimming Sessions
A successful trimming session should result in adequate airflow, which in turn minimizes the chances of mold growth.
To keep mold and bud rot at bay, humidity levels should be maintained between 50% and 60%. This requires good ventilation and airflow, adequate temperature control to prevent moisture buildup, and proper watering without overwatering.
It is advisable to regularly inspect buds for any signs of rot or mold and remove affected areas immediately to stop the spread. Conduct sample trimming sessions early to monitor drying progress and catch issues before they worsen.
Trimming Day Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Ensure your scissors are sharp and clean to prevent ragged cuts that can damage plants and invite diseases.
- Glove up to be able to handle the sticky resin glands and to prevent contamination.
- Don’t rush the process if you care for bag appeal.
- Don’t throw away your sugar leaf trimmings. You can use this to roll joints or to make concentrates.
- Disinfect your tools regularly to prevent the transfer of pathogens from one plant to another.
Curing Your Cannabis
Curing is the final stage of the harvesting process. After working so hard, you could still end up with inferior buds if you don’t get this process right. Here’s how to go about it the right way:
Containers
For curing, you will need airtight glass mason jars. Preferably, wide-mouthed ones, as this will make the burping process more efficient. The best thing about glass is that it doesn’t retain odor or moisture. In comparison, plastic bags or containers create static energy that can degrade terpenes and also leach chemicals into your bud.
Fill your mason jars to about three-quarters full to allow for adequate air circulation. Avoid packing the buds too tightly, as this will trap moisture and lead to mold.
Moisture Control
Once the buds have completed the drying process, they should feel dry on the outside but remain slightly sticky on the inside. If they feel overly wet or the jar has a grassy smell, open the jars for a few hours to allow them to dry. You also don’t want your buds to be too dry.
You should have a hygrometer nearby to check the humidity, which ideally should be around 62%. Consider investing in humidity packs (like Boveda or Integra Boost), as they can be a lifesaver!
Burping Your Jars
During the first two weeks, you’ll need to “burp” your jars daily. This means opening them for 5 to 10 minutes once or twice a day to release excess moisture and introduce fresh air. It’s also a chance to check for mold and ensure buds are curing evenly.
After two weeks, you can reduce burping to every few days or once a week. Just make sure to be consistent and vigilant enough to notice any alarming changes.
What is the best way to monitor humidity inside my curing jars?
The best way to monitor humidity inside your curing jars is by placing a small digital hygrometer directly in each jar. Aim for a relative humidity of 58 to 62% for optimal curing.
How Long to Cure for Smooth Smoke
This may surprise you, but curing can take anywhere between 2 to 12 weeks. However, the taste and flavor of the flower will improve over time as long as ideal curing conditions are maintained.
- 2 Weeks: You can get a decent smoke, though flavor and potency are likely to be wanting.
- 4 Weeks: Here, you will achieve noticeable cannabinoid and terpene development, and hence enhanced flavor and smoother hits.
- 6–8 Weeks: The flavor and strength should be at their highest.
- 12 Weeks+: The strength may have dipped as the cannabinoids begin to degrade, but the flavor is likely to be as potent as ever.
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