So you have spent weeks pouring your heart and soul into your precious plants and as the time to reap the rewards fast approaches it is crucial to understand how cutting down your cannabis at different stages will vastly affect the physical and psychological effects that it will portray.
Below is a breakdown outlying what beginner and even more experienced growers are to look out for to maximise the THC/CBD potential of your plant – depending what you are in to!
The most common mistake us impatient stoners tend to make is cropping too early. Patience in this instance really and truly is a virtue, however, there are downsides to delaying too, so timing your trim to precision, while it can be tricky at first, is ultimately key to the perfect harvest.
It is important to note the flowering time provided to you by the breeder when purchasing your seeds as this will guide your gardening schedule helping you pinpoint roughly when your plant will be ready. Green Smoke Room Seeds’ flowering times can be found under each products specifications tab.
One of the simplest although not the most reliable ways to try and determine if it set for harvest is by looking at the little white hairs or stigmas on the buds. These white hairs – sometimes called pistils – will begin to change colour from their original white into orange (ideal) and then eventually brown (late).
The most accurate indicator however is the colour of the trichomes or the little shiny nodes you may notice on the plant. This packs the punch, but you may need a magnifying glass, or a loupe commonly used by jewellers in order to see the finer details up close. These trichomes too will change colour, going from a clear glass-like appearance into an opaque plastic looking one (ideal) before turning a shade of amber (late).
For the most successful results, a combination of the above will be the best option. Once the hairs begin to change colour, it is time to start looking at the trichomes. The change from a clear node to a semi-transparent one indicates full maturity, with the highest levels of THC and CBD and the plant will not produce any more. Unfortunately, not all trichomes will develop at the same rate and you may see some amber ones before most of the plant is covered with a consistent coating of THC-rich trichomes.
Not to worry! All that begins to happen once the trichomes turn amber is that the THC “degrades” and begins to break down into Cannabinol or CBN. The results of CBN, like other cannabinoids found on the plant present their own unique set of benefits. CBN has proven effective in treatment of pain, insomnia, and inflammation. High CBN levels also give what is known as “couch-like” in the community, pointing toward its sedative qualities, which many may be seeking, however most experienced growers will try and prevent their flowers from reaching this stage.
So, the three things to look out for when deciding if it is time to yield. First, the flowering time for your seed. Secondly, when your stigmas or hairs begin to turn orange. And finally when the trichomes or nodes begin to turn milky-white.
And there you have it. You are now all set for the ultimate in smoking pleasure!
