30. How to Identify and Treat Common Cannabis Plant Deficiencies

Harvest time is an exciting and critical phase in cannabis cultivation. A carefully planned harvest routine ensures that your plants are harvested at their peak, preserving potency, flavor, and yield. Here, we’ll cover how to establish an effective routine from pre-harvest preparations to post-harvest handling.

1. Recognizing Harvest Time

• Trichome Color: Monitor trichomes with a magnifying glass or microscope. Harvest when they shift from clear to a milky white for maximum potency. Some cultivators prefer a bit of amber color, as this can contribute to a more relaxing effect.
• Pistil Color: Pistils change from white to a darker orange or brown when the plant is nearing maturity. Aim for at least 70-90% of pistils to darken.

2. Pre-Harvest Preparations

• Watering and Nutrient Flush: Flush your plants with plain water 7-14 days before harvest to remove excess nutrients, which enhances the natural flavor of the buds.
• Control Environment: Lower temperatures and humidity levels to reduce the risk of mold and maintain trichome integrity.
• Dark Period: Some growers introduce 24-48 hours of darkness before harvesting to stimulate cannabinoid production, though this step is optional.

3. Harvest Tools and Supplies

• Sharp Pruners and Scissors: Clean, sharp tools are essential for precise cuts and to avoid damaging the buds.
• Gloves and Trimming Tray: Wear gloves to keep hands from getting sticky. A trimming tray will help collect fallen trichomes (kief) for later use.

4. Harvest Technique: Cutting and Trimming

• Whole-Plant Harvest: If possible, cut down the entire plant to maintain an even drying process. This method is suitable for large grows where maintaining consistent conditions is key.
• Branch-by-Branch Harvest: For small grows, harvesting branch by branch allows for more selective drying and easier handling.
• Initial Trim (Wet or Dry): Choose to do a rough trim immediately (wet trimming) or wait until after drying (dry trimming). Wet trimming can reduce drying time, while dry trimming preserves more terpenes.

5. Drying Your Cannabis

• Temperature and Humidity Control: Maintain a temperature of 60-70°F and a humidity level of 55-60% in your drying room to avoid mold and preserve terpenes.
• Air Circulation: Use fans to keep air moving, but avoid blowing air directly on buds to prevent uneven drying. Hang buds upside down in a dark room for 7-10 days or until stems snap.

6. Curing for Maximum Quality

• Initial Curing: Place dried buds into airtight containers like glass jars. Open the jars daily for 10-15 minutes to allow moisture to escape and fresh air to enter (burping).
• Humidity Control: Maintain 58-62% RH in jars for ideal curing. Humidity packs can be used for consistency. Cure for at least two weeks, with one to three months being ideal for peak flavor and potency.

Final Thoughts

Following a structured harvest routine ensures your cannabis is at its best in terms of potency, flavor, and smoothness. With the right timing, technique, and environment, you’ll be able to enjoy the full potential of your harvest.