The first question that comes to mind is, when do you harvest your marijuana? Of course, the answer varies from plant type to variety, but some general guidelines are. I will outline these in this article, so hopefully, it will save you the headache of figuring it out independently.
Growing a good quality crop requires skill and patience, which many people lack. This makes them search online for tips on what stage to harvest, when to harvest their buds, etc. Unfortunately, they often make mistakes that can lead to erroneous results.
We’ll show you everything you need to know about when to harvest your marijuana in this article. Then, we will explain exactly when to cut off the stems, remove the lights, and collect all those lovely green leaves!
We hope you find our information helpful, and best of luck to everyone trying to cultivate a thriving outdoor cannabis garden!
Cannabis Flower
First things first, what happens during the flowering process? Of course, it depends on the strain/variety you had planted in the first place. But generally speaking, there are three phases: vegetative growth, bud development, and flower production. After the third phase, the flowers should be ready to pick.
Vegetative Phase: Vegetative growth is the initial stage where the plant thrives without producing buds. At this point, the plant absorbs nutrients and energy to prepare itself for later activities. So, whether you live in a warm climate or not, your plant may look healthy and full of life, but don’t expect too many fruits yet; if you’re lucky enough to enjoy fresh herbs right away, great job! Otherwise, keep reading because we still have more questions before picking!
Bud Development Phase: Once the plant enters its second phase of activity, it begins developing buds. As mentioned earlier, different varieties grow buds differently. Generally, most strains go through two or three phases called “budsuckers,” followed by an actual budding phase.
During these budsucker periods, the plant doesn’t produce new stems very well. Therefore, you must wait until after this phase has passed if you want to collect seeds. Then, when the branch breaks easily and produces tiny buds, it’s considered mature enough for a collection.
Flower Production Phase: Now, let’s discuss the last phase of the cannabis flowering cycle. Here, the plant starts putting forth large amounts of buds, which means you could pick them up immediately. However, this isn’t always true. Different varieties require varying times to reach maturity.
For example, due to genetics, a Sativa might bloom sooner than an Indica. Also, remember that the amount of THC in each bud increases throughout the process, meaning older buds contain less potency than younger ones. Furthermore, weather conditions also play a significant role in determining when a particular plant reaches peak yield.
Once you determine that the plant is ready to harvest.
How Long Does It Take For A Mother Clone To Produce Buds?
Unfortunately, there aren’t specific numbers for every single variety of weed. But since most medicinal types of cannabis are clones taken from other plants, we can use these figures to give us an idea of approximately how long it takes.
Most growers recommend waiting around 60 days between cutting mother clones. This is simple — it gives the roots ample time to adjust to changes in soil composition while preventing disease transmission. Furthermore, allowing sufficient clone time to heal helps prevent injuries caused by overzealous pruning.
Note: Don’t worry about keeping clones separated once they begin sprouting. They won’t become infected as regular seedlings would.
What Is Bloom Time, And How Do I Know When My Plants Are Ready?
Bloom time refers to when a particular plant becomes capable of forming buds. Most commonly, these appear on either side of the central stalk. Usually, the tip of the main stem turns brown and withers, indicating that the plant needs to rest for a short period. Afterward, it resumes regular operation.
Examine the buds closely to check whether your plant is ready to harvest. Since different varieties differ significantly, here are a few indicators to help you decide.
Indicas usually form dense clusters of smaller buds along the top of the stalks. Their coloration ranges from dark purple to red.
Sativas typically grow larger and denser, almost resembling tomatoes. Buds come out in bunches with colors ranging from bright yellow to orange.
Remember that even though the photos above are helpful, there isn’t a hard and fast rule regarding when to harvest cannabis. Each plant differs depending on its genetic makeup and environmental conditions. So always pay attention to the signs displayed by your plants.
How Much THC Should Be In Your Weed?
It’s important to note that not all cannabis products contain equal quantities of active ingredients. For example, while high THC levels contribute significantly to recreational effects, low concentrations provide medical benefits. Thus, it’s essential to understand what percentage contains the maximum dosage allowed per state law.
Generally speaking, however, you shouldn’t exceed 20% of total THC content unless necessary. Keep in mind that lower percentages mean higher prices overall.
Should I Water Or Feed My Plants During This Stage Of Growth?
Watering and feeding are required methods of maintaining optimal health for your plants. Although watering plays a significant part in regulating temperature, humidity, and nutrient uptake, water is essential for leafy greens.
As previously stated, plants absorb moisture through their root systems. Therefore, their ability to perform appropriately without adequate hydration decreases drastically, leading to poor performance. Additionally, water regulates cellular processes responsible for proper function and reproduction. Combining these facts makes it easy to see why giving your plants plenty of H2O is crucial.
On the other hand, feeding provides several advantages, including increased yields, healthier vegetation, improved resistance to pests, and better taste. Remember that excessive fertilization causes problems such as stunted growth and undesirable flavors.
Another thing to remember is that cannabis thrives outdoors in warmer climates. In contrast, it prefers more relaxed environments in colder areas by providing additional heat sources, supplemental lighting, and ventilation fans.
Lastly, don’t forget to change your irrigation schedule according to the season. Don’t waste money on unnecessary expenses just because you didn’t think ahead.
Is There Anyway I Can Improve On What I’ve Done So Far?
Yes, absolutely! No matter how skilled you are at cultivating your indoor garden, improvements will likely be made. In addition, knowing ways to improve efficiency and productivity will benefit you immensely if you intend to sell your product or share it with friends.
Here are a couple of examples:
Using a spreadsheet program, keep track of the number of weeks it took for a given plant to reach certain milestones. Doing this will allow you to pinpoint potential issues early on and fix them accordingly.
Use automated controllers instead of manual timers whenever possible. This method works wonders and eliminates human error.
Try experimenting with various fertilizer formulas or combinations to achieve the highest yield possible.
These are only a few suggestions to enhance your success rate, so don’t hesitate to try something new next time!
Are These Steps Enough To Grow Good Quality Pot?
Absolutely! Just remember that consistency is vital when it comes to growing cannabis. Even novice cultivators can create excellent batches of hash oil, shatter, or dabs if they strictly follow instructions.
Many beginners tend to rush into planting their seeds and watching them daily. Unfortunately, this leads to inconsistent harvests and ruined crops. Instead, focus on learning about cultivation techniques, timing, and planning. Taking care of your plants gradually builds confidence, which allows you to experiment freely.
Also, never underestimate the importance of having a plan. Before anything else, set goals and write down expectations. Write down which dates you plan to harvest your final product, measure progress, and analyze data regularly. These actions add up to creating successful projects in no time flat.
Finally, stay patient. Unlike animals, humans rarely reproduce overnight. Nature takes her sweet time building complex organisms. Patience is therefore required to reap the rewards.
So Which One Shoots First – Indica Or Sativa?
This is another common misconception amongst newcomers. Many experts believe Indicas excel in cold climates, whereas Sativas thrive in warm places. Others claim the opposite. Both varieties possess unique characteristics and traits, so choosing one solely based on appearance is inaccurate.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Decide which area suits your purposes best and stick to it.
Can You Give Me Some Tips About Building A Healthier Garden With Multiple Varieties?
Sure! Try mixing.
