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When can I harvest marijuana?

We are glad that you are here with us and have been growing cannabis. Now want to know when is the right time to harvest cannabis. The moment to reap what you have sown, the reward of your hard work, a labor of love, we hope.

Cannabis cultivation is not just watering cannabis plants. Many factors influence the growth and development of your plants. Luckily your experience and familiarity with the cannabis plants will grow too. I know a couple of master growers who have developed a sixth sense for the plant. They can almost predict the future while looking at a fan leaf and know the optimal harvest time to a tee creating the most gorgeous and powerful buds. (#lifegoals)

So keeping a close eye on your cannabis plants and knowing what to look for can make all the difference in determining the right time to harvest!

Monitor the entire plant and check the lower buds. Are they not too low, so they don’t get wet from the irrigation system? Learn to read the leaves and check the underside, as some monsters hide under the fan leaves. If you care for your cannabis plant, check in daily or once in a few days to develop a routine that you can follow to the letter. This will give you an overview to see if something is off and where / what to look. Practice makes perfect!

Don’t be afraid to investigate further; if something is off but can’t find it straight away, cut up a large fan leaf to inspect it thoroughly. Like the buds, you can sample buds to look for evidence of insects, mold, or bud rot. Better safe than sorry; if you catch a “plague” on time, you can control the damage to just a few plants, Saving your harvest!

The naked eye is not always good enough for a good inspection. So get a nice magnifying glass, and while you are at it, a lab coat too. You will not only see more but look very professional while doing so.

When is the best time to harvest cannabis plants?

The answer may vary depending on who you ask, but most experts agree that the ideal time to harvest is when 50-70% of the cannabis trichomes are ready.

What do trichomes look like when ready to harvest?

Some mature trichomes are completely yellow; a few can remain milky white, while others have amber trichomes. You must wait until 70% of the clear trichomes have turned into solid amber trichomes to obtain higher amounts of CBD & THC. It’s the time when many growers harvest their cannabis plants.

The curing process

The curing stage of the harvested cannabis plant is an art form that growers have perfected over the years. The goal of curing is to preserve the potency and flavor of the buds while reducing the risk of mold or pest infestation.

The most important step in drying cannabis is carefully controlling humidity and temperature levels. If the buds are too dry, they will lose their potency and flavor. They will be susceptible to mold and pests if they are too moist. The ideal relative humidity for curing cannabis is between 60-65%. The buds should also be stored in a dark, airtight container such as a mason jar. The jars should be opened daily to allow the buds to “breathe”. Depending on the desired results, the curing process can take anywhere from two weeks to two months. By taking the time, and we can not emphasize that enough, hasting now when you have invested 10 to 12 weeks already is no gain. Take your time to cure your harvest; this way, you be sure that your Cannabis buds are of the highest quality.

Marijuana plant anatomy

Just in case you do not know it yet, here is a summary of the anatomy of the whole plant so you know which parts to focus on when determining harvest time.

Fan leaves

The fan leaves of a weed plant are so conspicuous that they have become the universal symbol for weed. What the layman does not know, however, is that the leaves contain deficient levels of THC.

THC

They can provide good indicators for the plant’s maturity, but they are mostly thrown out after trimming.

Stem

This part of the plant contains more THC than the leaf. For this reason, the stem of a cannabis plant is used as an additive for concentrates and tinctures.

Flower or bud

This is inarguably the most important part of a marijuana plant. Most farmers harvest it, which is the best indicator of when to harvest cannabis. Especially in the final days, keep a close eye on the cannabis flowers as bud rot can occur quickly.

Pistil

This is the female part of a flower and can be easily identified. The pistil of the marijuana plant is a red or orange hair-like feature that emerges from the flower. While the pistil does not contain any THC, it plays a big role in determining when to harvest marijuana.

Sugar leaves

, Unlike fan leaves, the sugar leaves of a weed plant have a high THC concentration. You can identify them easily since they grow out of the flower bud, with only the tips peeking through to the outside. They are normally not smoked since they have a plant-like test, but there are many other things they can be used for.

Trichomes

Trichomes are the tiny crystals on the leaves and buds that contain the plant’s cannabinoids. They are sticky and contain the highest levels of THC. They are also the best indicators of when to harvest marijuana.

How to observe marijuana plant maturity

CBN and THC levels

As we have seen above, the trichomes of a marijuana plant produce the highest amount of THC. The color of the trichomes can determine the amount contained at any time. There reaches a point where the trichomes produce the maximum amount of THC, and this is when the plant is at its peak potency. The THC level is very psychoactive and provides energy to the user.

Since the plant is constantly exposed to the sun and air, the level of THC in the trichomes breaks down after peak potency. UV rays and oxygen break down THC to cannabinol (CBN). CBN is a good sedative and produces a soothing, relaxing effect on the user. The many benefits of CBN include helping with pain, which is what many people with cancer or chronic pain are prescribed. The upside or downside of CBN is that it does not have psychoactive effects. Most growers do not let their weed reach the CBN levels regardless of all of its benefits.

When to harvest cannabis to get THC

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a chemical found in marijuana that causes much of the ‘high’ associated with the plant. Since most users want this high, many farmers wait until their plants are ripe with THC before they harvest marijuana plants.

To know when to harvest cannabis plants with high levels of THC, you must pay attention to the trichomes in flowers. The little ball at the top of a trichome is where all the cannabis goodness is located. You can easily see the changes in this area using a microscope. Here are the things to look out for:

When to harvest weed based on the effects

Since different harvest times give different effects to the user, when to harvest cannabis should depend on what kind of weed effect you desire. Here is a summary of when to harvest based on the different kinds of high:

Another way you can determine when to harvest cannabis for the different effects depends on the pistil color.

There are three easy methods to flavor your marijuana and give it an extremely pleasing taste; before, during, and after harvesting. You may encounter challenges when trying to get your desired results. This article will guide you step by step on how to flavor your marijuana more easily, safely, and successfully!

Does flavoring weed make it taste good?

Why should I flavor my weed? Weed has its natural flavor. Many weed strains have been bred to produce flavors and aromas that mimic the taste of lemon, vanilla, mint, strawberry, grapefruit, blueberry, and so much more! However, if not, these strains may not give you the expected taste grown in the right conditions; you’ll get minimal notes of the flavor overwhelmed by the natural taste of weed. That’s why you need to flavor your cannabis and make it produce the best of its promised flavor or give it a new flavor of your preference!

We selected the best 3 methods for you to do so.

1. Flavoring weed before harvesting

If you want the strain you’ve planted to have a flavor you prefer, then you need to start preparations a few days before harvesting your weed.

According to our expert marijuana growers, preparations start 3-5 days before harvesting time. During this time, you need to stop watering your marijuana plants. Stopping this will lead the plant to extract extra mineral salts and other nutrients from the soil.

Although you can stop watering your crops for even 5 days or more before you start harvesting, you need to be very careful because that can harm your plants. They can dry up and finally die. So we recommend 3 to 5 days.

If your marijuana crops start to wither fast or show signs of wilting before the harvest day, you can add a little water to them. If you decide to do so, ensure you sprinkle the water evenly, so you’ll cover the whole plant.

When harvest day finally comes, mix extracts from your preferred food-grade or 15 milliliters of a mild solution into approximately 20 liters of clean water. The amount of clean water depends on the expected harvest. You can increase the number of liters of water if water liters if you expect

Now that your flavored mixture is ready, you should slowly and gently water it on your crops. Please be careful not to waste the solution on surface runoff.

Allow the crops to consume the solution for a few hours (roughly 3-5 hours) before you start to cut your weed.

By now, your weed has consumed water. First, they consumed the water from the soil for several weeks. Second, you had just watered them with a flavored solution a few hours before cutting them. Because of this, the weed is now moist. It would be best to spread the harvested plants evenly to avoid dampness. Ensure there is enough airflow among the crops to minimize mold formation. Keep the crops as separate as possible.

2. How to add flavor to weed during harvest

Sometimes, things may not go as planned. For example, you want to flavor your weed before harvesting, but somehow you don’t get around it. Don’t worry. You’re still in time to add flavor to your weed.

, Unlike the first step, which requires you to water the crops with a flavored mixture of 20 liters, you’ll now prepare a small amount of the solution and put it in a glass.

After this, you’ll cut a weed leaf and dip it inside the mixture. You don’t have to wait until the leaves are dry. A fresh leaf full of life is ideally the best for dipping inside the mixture contained in the glass. Why?

When the weed leaf is still alive, it has a high chance of drawing water from the glass up to the stalk and other parts of the weed.

You’ll need to allow the leaves for about seven days to settle inside the flavored water. In these seven days, the leaves will have drained all the solution from the glass.

Finally, remove the leaves from the solution, chop them to your preferred size, then dry the harvest as you usually do.

3. How to flavor weed after harvesting

Flavouring marijuana at a time when the leaves and the stalks seem to be withering and drying up seems like a hard one for many people. Nonetheless, there is nothing impossible about flavoring weed, even when it seems too late.

Even when the flowers are weak and jarred, you can still add flavor to this important crop.

The first step towards adding flavor to harvested weed is to add essential oil or extract into the jar. How do I do that?

Once you’ve identified an essential oil or any other extract you prefer, you’ll need to soak cotton balls inside that extract. The next step is to attach the cotton ball to the lid of the jar. Make sure the cotton ball does not fold anywhere. Rather, it has to hang from the lid facing down.

When you hang the cotton balls, ensure they do not stretch and touch the weed buds. You must also ensure that there’s no excessive moisture inside the jar because excessive moisture causes mold, which will result in the weed rotting.

You can also minimize the chances of your weed rotting by adding several dried items into the jar. Some dried items you can add to your jar include flower petals, apple slices, and citrus peels. Alternatively, you can add marijuana spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and rosemary.

Final thoughts

It’s awesome to flavor your marijuana; in our opinion, it’s not done often enough. People think it’s hard to do, but the opposite is true. Whether it is before you harvest, during, or even after you have harvested. Therefore, it is no longer how to flavor marijuana or how to flavor weed, but a matter of when you want to flavor your weed!

FAQ

How to make weed taste like bubblegum?

To make your weed taste sweeter, like bubblegum, mix the food-grade bubblegum extract with some water and place your freshly cut buds in the mixture for a week, dry, and cure it. Then, place the dried buds in a jar, soak a cotton ball in a bubblegum extract and attach it to the lid facing downwards. This way, you have to sweeten the weed with a bubblegum flavor.

How to make weed taste like coffee?

To make your weed taste like coffee, it’s essential to ensure that the buds are fully cured and dried. Then keep them in a jar. After that, empty a giant tea bag, and put some coffee inside. Next, place the bag containing the coffee and keep it inside the jar containing the weed. No weed flavoring spray is needed.

How to flavor homemade gummies?

To flavor, your homemade gummies, get your favorite fruit juice and boil it under medium heat for 3 minutes. This enables the gelatin to set inside better. Stir the boiled juice and gelatin, then add the sweeteners according to your preference. You can then store the flavored gummies in an airtight container and keep them in a fridge. No weed flavoring drops are needed.

How to make weed taste better from a pipe?

You can make weed taste better from a pipe by adding your favorite fruit flavoring to the water pipe. Then, for a more enhanced taste, you can add ice cubes to that fruit-flavored water but be sure to clean the pipe well after use to avoid sugar from sticking.

How to make weed taste better from a bong?

Using flavored sparkling water can make your weed taste better from a bong. Some reputable brands, such as Nestle, manufacture their sparkling water using different flavors. Depending on your chosen flavor, rest assured that the undertones are nice as you inhale.

How to flavor old weed?

The best way to flavor old weed is to begin by moisturizing it. To moisturize old weed, peel off your favorite fruit (orange or mango) and place the peel in the jar containing the weed. The two shouldn’t come into contact with each other, though. After 3 hours of coverage, that weed will absorb some flavors.

How does weed flavor?

Weed flavors depend on their terpene synthase genes. For instance, a cannabis strain with limonene terpene synthase genes produces a lemon-like flavor. Weed that contains myrcene terpene genes, on the other hand, produces an earthy flavor. Other types of flavors include fruity and minty.

Introduction:

Cannabis cultivation has gained considerable attention in recent years, thanks to its increasing legalization and therapeutic potential. While many growers focus on lighting, nutrients, and watering techniques, the significance of the root system is often overlooked. The root system plays a crucial role in supporting the plant’s overall health, growth, and nutrient absorption. In this article, we will explore the root system of the pot plant and delve into the differences between growing in open soil versus using various types of plant pots, such as large pots, small pots, round pots, square pots, and even felt pots.

Understanding the Cannabis Root System:

The root system of the marijuana plant is a complex and intricate network that plays a fundamental role in its growth and overall well-being. A deeper understanding of the root system can help growers optimize cultivation practices and achieve healthier and more productive plants.

The taproot system of cannabis consists of a central main root known as the taproot, which grows vertically downward into the soil. From the taproot, numerous lateral roots branch out horizontally, extending and exploring the surrounding soil. These lateral roots form a dense fibrous network, which is responsible for water and nutrient absorption.

One key advantage of the taproot system is its ability to reach deeper into the soil profile, accessing nutrients and moisture sources that may not be readily available to plants with shallower root systems. The taproot acts as an anchor, providing stability to the plant and allowing it to withstand environmental stressors such as wind and heavy rainfall.

Open Soil Weed Cultivation:

Growing cannabis directly in open soil offers several advantages for the development of a robust root system. In open soil, weed plants have the freedom to spread their roots as far as they need to, enabling the establishment of a strong foundation and maximizing nutrient absorption.

One of the primary benefits of open soil cultivation is the ability of the roots to explore a larger volume of soil. This exploration leads to increased access to essential nutrients and water sources, resulting in improved overall plant health. The plants can tap into deeper layers of soil, where vital nutrients may be more abundant.

Furthermore, open soil provides excellent drainage properties, allowing excess water to escape easily. Proper drainage prevents waterlogging, which can suffocate the roots and lead to root rot. The presence of oxygen in the soil is crucial for root respiration, and open soil allows for better aeration, promoting healthy root development.

In open soil, beneficial soil microbes and organisms play a vital role in the breakdown of organic matter, releasing nutrients in a form that plants can readily absorb. These microbes contribute to the creation of a healthy soil ecosystem, fostering symbiotic relationships with the roots and enhancing nutrient availability.

Additionally, open soil cultivation allows for a more natural expression of the cannabis plant’s genetic potential. The unrestricted growth of roots provides the plant with the space it needs to develop to its fullest. This can result in potentially higher yields and improved terpene profiles, as the plant is able to fully express its genetic traits without the constraints of container cultivation.

It is important to note that open soil cultivation requires careful consideration of the soil composition and preparation. Proper soil testing and amendment can ensure that the necessary nutrients are available in the soil to support healthy root development. Organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can be incorporated into the soil to enhance its fertility and structure.

Overall, open soil cultivation offers numerous benefits for cannabis plants, particularly when it comes to root system development. The ability of the roots to explore a larger volume of soil, access deeper nutrient sources, and interact with beneficial soil organisms contributes to overall plant health and productivity. By providing an optimal growing environment through open soil cultivation, growers can lay the foundation for thriving marijuana plants.

Plant Pot Cannabis Cultivation:

While open soil cultivation offers several advantages, growing cannabis in plant pots has gained popularity due to its versatility and ease of management. Let’s explore the differences between large pots, small pots, round pots, square pots, and even felt pots:

1. Large Pots: Large pots provide ample space for the roots to spread, allowing for better nutrient absorption and overall plant health. The increased soil volume helps maintain stability and reduces the risk of nutrient deficiencies or waterlogging. It is particularly beneficial for larger cannabis varieties with extensive root systems. The larger size of these pots also offers more room for organic matter, such as compost or beneficial microbes, which can enhance soil fertility and promote healthy root development. Furthermore, large pots provide a buffer against rapid changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, ensuring a more stable growing environment for weed plants.
2. Small Pots: Small pots are suitable for limited growing spaces and indoor cultivation. However, they restrict root expansion and may necessitate more frequent watering and nutrient supplementation. The limited soil volume can lead to stunted growth and hinder the plant’s ability to reach its full potential. To overcome these limitations, growers using small pots can employ techniques like frequent fertigation (the combination of fertilization and irrigation) to ensure the plants receive adequate nutrients. Additionally, optimizing the soil composition by adding organic matter and using well-draining substrates can improve moisture retention and nutrient availability in small pots. Careful attention to plant care and monitoring is crucial in maximizing the performance of pot plants in small pots.
3. Round Pots: Round pots allow for even root distribution and encourage a more natural root growth pattern. The absence of corners eliminates the possibility of root binding, ensuring the plant can access nutrients and water evenly. The circular shape of round pots promotes a balanced distribution of lateral roots, preventing overcrowding and enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency. Additionally, round pots facilitate better airflow around the root zone, reducing the risk of excess moisture and root diseases. The uniform distribution of roots in round pots also contributes to better stability and minimizes the risk of toppling, especially when plants become top-heavy during the flowering stage.
4. Square Pots: Square pots are preferred by some growers as they make efficient use of space, allowing for easy organization and maximizing the number of plants per square meter. However, they can promote root circling if not managed properly. When the roots reach the corners of square pots, they may begin to circle around the container, potentially affecting nutrient uptake and overall plant health. To mitigate this issue, growers should regularly inspect the root system and transplant the plants to larger containers when necessary. Additionally, employing techniques like root pruning by trimming the circling roots before transplanting can encourage a more outward growth pattern and prevent root-binding issues. By maintaining proper root management, square pots can be an effective option for optimizing space utilization in cannabis cultivation.
5. Felt Pots: Felt pots, also known as fabric pots or smart pots, have gained popularity among marijuana cultivators. These porous containers promote air pruning, which stimulates the growth of lateral roots, prevents root circling, and encourages a more fibrous root system. The breathable fabric allows for better air exchange and oxygenation of the root zone, facilitating root respiration and nutrient uptake. The enhanced drainage offered by felt pots reduces the risk of overwatering, preventing waterlogged conditions that can lead to root rot. The fibrous nature of the fabric also acts as a natural barrier against root-bound growth, enabling healthier and more extensive root development. Moreover, felt pots can be beneficial in outdoor settings as they allow for better temperature regulation, preventing overheating of the root zone during hot weather.

Conclusion:

The root system of the weed plant is a critical element in achieving healthy and productive growth. While open soil cultivation allows for unrestricted root expansion and natural expression of genetic potential, plant pots provide flexibility, particularly in constrained spaces. Large pots offer ample room for roots to thrive, round pots promote even root distribution, square pots optimize space utilization, and felt pots encourage air pruning and better drainage. Each method has its own advantages and considerations, and growers should choose the approach that aligns with their specific circumstances, available space, and desired outcomes. Ultimately, understanding and nurturing the root system is vital to unlocking the full potential of cannabis cultivation. By providing the right conditions for root growth, growers can ensure healthy plants and maximize yield and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions