Table of Contents
When to Harvest Marijuana
Harvesting cannabis at the right time is essential to ensure optimal potency, yield, and flavor. The decision should be based on visual cues, trichome maturity, and plant health, not just a calendar timeline.
1. General Flowering Timeline
- Indica strains: 8–9 weeks of flowering.
- Sativa strains: 10–12 weeks or longer.
- Hybrids: Varies depending on dominance.
Note: Always use biological indicators over estimated weeks.
2. Key Indicators for Harvest
A. Trichome Color (Primary Indicator)
Use a jeweler’s loupe (30x–60x magnification) to inspect glandular trichomes (tiny mushroom-shaped structures on buds):
- Clear trichomes: Immature; low THC and minimal potency.
- Cloudy/milky trichomes: Peak THC; maximum psychoactive effect.
- Amber trichomes: THC degrading to CBN; more sedative, body-heavy high.
Best time to harvest:
When 70–90% are cloudy and 10–30% are amber, based on your desired effects.
B. Pistil Color (Secondary Indicator)
- Early flowering: Pistils are white and upright.
- Maturity: 70–90% turn orange/red/brown and begin curling inward.
3. Additional Signs of Readiness
- Swollen, dense buds with strong aroma.
- Fan leaves yellowing naturally (not due to deficiency).
- Decreased water uptake by the plant.
- Trichome coverage is visibly frosty and abundant.
4. Risks of Poor Timing
- Too early: Harsh taste, low yield, weak potency.
- Too late: THC degrades, terpene loss, overly sedative effects.
Conclusion
Harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with some amber, pistils are mostly darkened, and the plant shows signs of maturity. Proper timing ensures high cannabinoid content, flavorful terpene profiles, and the desired physical and mental effects.
