Cannabis is an annual plant capable of producing one crop per year. Growers put all their heart and knowledge into this little plant that can bring joy. From planting seeds in the ground to harvesting, three to eight months should pass. It all depends on the variety of cannabis. But all beginner growers are interested in the question: “When to harvest cannabis?”
External factors
Producers write on the original packaging how much a bush needs to fully mature. You can also find the harvest date in the product description in the smartshop-smartshop.ua online store.
There are several signs by which you can find out that the hemp is ripe and can be harvested.
1. Trichomes change from clear to bright amber.
Trichomes - white translucent hairs, are cells of the epidermis. They give off the characteristic smell of cannabis under stressful circumstances. During the harvest period, they begin to become cloudy and completely change color to amber. Once this has happened, you can start cutting fragrant inflorescence.
2. Stigmas change from white to bright orange.
Stigmas - look like hair sprouts that cover the entire bump. Retains resins and THC. The upper inflorescence may ripen faster than the lower ones. This is due to the lack of light rays. A grower can harvest in two runs: first the top buds and then the bottom buds.
An important factor is that when the trichomes change from clear to cloudy and then to bright amber, it is during this period that the buds contain the maximum amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). A cone, like another fruit, can overripe and lose its properties. At such moments, THC molecules break down into CBD (cannabidiol), as a result, the product loses its properties. But, it is worth noting that CBD is valuable because it treats insomnia, apathy, depression, removes pain and inflammation.
When the bumps appear on marijuana
Cones appear after the growing season. This process occurs approximately a month after hemp seed germination. If the phenotype is dominated by sativa, then the appearance of flowering may be delayed, and if it is indica, then the inflorescence will not be long in coming. The appearance of cones depends only on the variety of cannabis!
When can I start harvesting
When you can collect marijuana, the weather will tell. If cannabis grows outdoors, then cold snaps make it clear to the bush that winter is coming, and it's time to round off. The plant, in turn, begins to accelerate and ripen. Cannabis can withstand low temperatures for a short period of time before harvesting. During this time, you need to have time to harvest!
While the plant is under stress, it releases the maximum amount of THC into its fruits. Experts say that the most productive THC synthesis in buds is in the early morning from 4:30 to 7:00.
If the plant is grown at home, the ripening process may be delayed. The plant is as comfortable as possible and there is no hurry. To make it clear to cannabis that winter is coming, you need to artificially immerse it in a stressful state for several hours. For example: water with ice water, place the plant in a cool environment (up to + 4C) or make a small incision (1 mm) near the root. Thus, the synthesis of THC will accelerate, and the maturation process will last no more than a week.
Marijuana blooms exactly as long as other crops - approximately 65 days.
How to harvest
Understanding how to properly harvest cannabis when it is already ripe is not at all difficult, in fact - everything is simple. For harvesting you need: scissors or pruners, alcohol, rope, gloves. The buds are very resinous, and their smell is perfectly absorbed into the skin, so it is better to work with gloves.
The secateurs cut off large branches, and with scissors they crush the cone into a small inflorescence. Alcohol is needed to remove excess resin from the blades.
Experienced growers know that harvesting is a delicate process that takes time and care. Cut inflorescence must be dried. This can be done in a proven way. The bottom of the inflorescence must be tied up and turned upside down, left to dry in a dark and dry room for a couple of days. You can also place the cones in a special fruit dryer. This method will take only 4 hours.
The article is provided for scientific information purposes and can be used for practical purposes in states where the cultivation of cannabis is legal. We remind you that in Ukraine, the cultivation of cannabis is banned.
