How to Tell When Outdoor Pot Plants are Ready

If you've decided to grow pot plants outdoors, congratulations! Growing marijuana outdoors can be immensely rewarding, both in terms of yield and experience. However, one of the most important things you'll need to know is how to tell when your plants are ready to harvest. Here are some signs to look out for:

Check the Trichomes

One of the most foolproof ways to determine whether your outdoor pot plants are ready to harvest is to check the trichomes. These tiny, mushroom-shaped glands contain most of the plant's THC, so monitoring their maturity is crucial. A magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe can help you examine the trichomes closely. Early in the plant's flowering stage, the trichomes will be transparent. As they mature, they will become cloudy or milky. When they turn amber, it's a sign that the plant is reaching its peak potency. A good rule of thumb is to harvest when around 50% of the trichomes are milky and the rest are amber.

Check the Pistils

Another way to tell when your outdoor pot plants are ready to harvest is to examine the pistils. These are the fine, hair-like structures that grow out of the buds. When they first appear, they are generally white or light-colored. As the plant matures, they will turn brown or orange. When the pistils have turned brown or orange and curled up, they are a sign that the plant is ready for harvest. This usually happens a few days after the trichomes have turned cloudy.

Consider the Strain

It's worth noting that not all strains of marijuana mature at the same rate. Some strains take longer to mature than others, so it's important to know what strain you're growing and how long it typically takes to mature. For example, a Sativa-dominant strain may take longer to mature than an Indica-dominant strain. You can usually find information on the variety you're growing from the seed bank or breeder.

Watch the Weather

Finally, it's important to keep an eye on the weather during the last few weeks of your plant's life. If there's a lot of rain or high humidity, this can cause mold to develop on the buds, which can ruin the entire crop. If the forecast predicts rain or high humidity, it's a good idea to harvest your plants early to prevent this from happening.

Wrap Up

Determining when your outdoor pot plants are ready to harvest is a crucial step in the growing process. By monitoring the trichomes and pistils, considering the strain, and watching the weather, you can ensure that you harvest your plants at the peak of their potency and avoid any potential issues. Happy growing!