How Do You Know When Your Pot Plants Are Done

As a cannabis grower, one of the most important things to understand is when your plants are ready to be harvested. Knowing how to tell when your pot plants are done requires some knowledge of the plant's lifecycle and understanding the different stages of growth. In this article, we will discuss the various signs that will indicate when it’s time to harvest your marijuana plants.

The growth stages of marijuana plants

Before we delve into how to tell when your pot plants are done, let’s first take a look at the different stages of growth that marijuana plants go through. Understanding these stages will help you identify what to look for during each phase of the plant’s lifecycle.

The first stage of growth is the seedling stage, which typically lasts for two to three weeks. During this phase, the plant develops its root system and the first set of leaves. At this point, the plant is very fragile and should be carefully monitored to ensure proper growing conditions.

The second stage of growth is the vegetative stage, which lasts for several weeks to several months. During this phase, the plant will grow rapidly, produce more leaves, and develop a strong stem. This is also where the plant starts producing THC in significant amounts.

The third stage of growth is the flowering stage, which typically lasts for six to twelve weeks. During this phase, the plant produces buds, and the THC content increases. This is the stage where growers need to pay the most attention to their plants to make sure they are harvested at the right time.

The signs that your plants are ready to be harvested

Now that we have covered the different stages of growth, let’s discuss how to tell when your pot plants are done. The following are the most common signs that will indicate that your plants are ready to be harvested:

Trichomes

Trichomes are tiny, hair-like structures that cover the buds and leaves of the cannabis plant. These structures produce THC, and they will turn cloudy during the flowering stage. When about 50% of the trichomes have turned cloudy, it’s time to harvest your plants. If the trichomes have turned amber, you have waited too long to harvest your plants.

Pistils

Pistils are the hair-like structures that protrude from the buds. During the flowering stage, these structures will change color from white to orange or red. When about 70 to 90% of the pistils have changed color, it’s time to harvest your plants.

Leaves

The leaves of the cannabis plant will start to yellow and die off during the latter stages of the flowering phase. When around two-thirds of the leaves on the plant have turned yellow, it’s time to harvest your plants.

Conclusion

Knowing how to tell when your pot plants are done is crucial for cannabis growers. Proper timing ensures that the plants produce the highest potency, and you, the grower, achieve the desired effects. Pay attention to the trichomes, pistils, and the yellowing leaves, and you will be able to harvest your plants at the perfect time.