How to Tell When Your Pot Plants Are Done

Growing your own pot plants can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, the success of your grow ultimately depends on knowing when your plants are done. Determining when your pot plants have reached maturity can be a bit of a challenge, but by paying close attention to their physical appearance and behavior, you can tell when it's time to harvest.

Watch for Pistil Color Changes

The pistils, or little hairs that grow on the buds of the plant, are a good indicator of when your pot plant is ready for harvest. When the pistil color changes from white to amber or brown, this is a sign that the plant is producing less THC, which is the psychoactive compound responsible for the feeling of being high. As the THC levels decrease, the CBD levels increase, which can result in a more calming effect. If you prefer a more potent product, then you want to harvest before the pistils start to turn amber or brown.

Examine the Trichomes

The trichomes, which are the small crystal-like structures that grow on the buds of the plant, are another good way to determine when your pot is done. Trichomes contain the highest concentration of THC, so if you want to maximize your yield, you'll want to wait until they are fully formed. When the trichomes are clear, this is a sign that your plant is not yet mature. When they start to turn cloudy, this is an indication that your plant is at peak potency. If you wait until the trichomes turn amber or brown, this will result in a more sedative effect.

Check for Knuckle/Node Spread

One other sign that your plant is done is when the knuckle/node spread starts to increase. This is when the area where the branches meet the stem starts to thicken and become more pronounced. When this happens, it's an indication that your plant is reaching maturity and is ready for harvest.

Conclusion

Knowing when your pot plants are done is an important aspect of growing them successfully. By paying close attention to the pistil color changes, trichome formation, and knuckle/node spread, you can determine when your plant is at peak potency and ready for harvest. Remember, if you want a more calming effect, wait until the pistils start to turn amber or brown. If you prefer a potent product, wait until the trichomes are fully formed and cloudy.