When to Harvest My Pot Plants

The decision to harvest your pot plants is one of the most important ones you'll make as a grower. It's a critical point where you determine whether you'll have a high-quality yield or one that falls flat. But when is the best time to harvest your pot plants?

Factors to Consider When Harvesting

Before making the decision to harvest your pot plants, there are several factors you need to consider that can influence your final yield:

Strain

The strain you're cultivating can affect when you harvest. The flowering time of each plant varies, so it's important to understand the flowering time of your strain before harvesting.

Color and Trichomes

The color of the pistils and trichomes is another factor to consider. When pistils are white, they are still developing, but when they turn brown or red, it's a signal that they are mature. When the trichomes become cloudy, it's a sign that harvest is imminent, but when they turn amber, you've waited too long and the THC levels will have started decreasing.

Environment

Environmental factors can also influence when to harvest. Cooler temperatures can delay flowering, while warmer temperatures can accelerate it. The amount of light and nutrients the plants receive can also determine when they flower and ripen.

Personal Preference

Finally, your personal preference also plays a role in when you harvest. Some people prefer a milder high, while others want a stronger one. Harvest times can affect the potency of the final yield, so choose accordingly.

The Best Time to Harvest

After considering all these factors, the best time to harvest falls within a two-week window. It's when the plant has received enough light, water, and nutrients to produce big, resinous buds.

The ideal time to harvest is when the pistils have turned red or brown, and around 70-90% of the trichomes are cloudy. This gives you the best potency and taste for your yield.

It's important to remember that after you cut your plants, they still need to dry and cure for a few more weeks. During this time, you'll need to remove any excess leaves and hang the buds upside down in a cool, dark, and dry room to allow them to dry out slowly.

Conclusion

Ultimately, when to harvest your pot plants is a personal decision that depends on several factors. By understanding the signals your plants give out and considering your personal preferences, you can determine the best time to harvest to ensure a flavorful, potent yield.