When to Pick Your Pot Plants

Picking your pot plants is a crucial step in the cultivation process. Not only does timing your harvest correctly affect yield and potency, but it also impacts the overall quality of your final product. Here's what you need to know about when to harvest your pot plants.

1. Watch the Trichomes

Trichomes are the small, crystal-like structures that cover the bud and leaves of your pot plants. They contain most of the plant's cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. To determine when to harvest, look at the color of your trichomes - as they mature, they will change from clear to cloudy to amber.

For a more cerebral, energetic high, harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy. For a heavier, sedative high, wait until they are mostly amber. Keep in mind that this varies between strains and personal preference.

2. Check Pistil Color

Pistils are the hair-like structures that grow out of your pot plant's buds. They start out white and change color as the plant matures. Harvesting during different stages of pistil coloration can affect the overall flavor and potency of your bud.

For a strong, intense high, harvest when pistils are mostly white. For a more mellow high with a sweeter flavor, wait until they turn brown and begin to recede into the bud.

3. Keep an Eye on Leaves

While trichomes and pistils are the most reliable indicators of when to harvest, you can also keep an eye on your pot plant's leaves. As the plant matures, leaves will begin to yellow and die off. When roughly half of the leaves have turned yellow, it's likely time to start your harvest.

4. Be Patient

When it comes to harvesting your pot plants, patience is key. While it may be tempting to pick early to enjoy your product sooner, it's important to wait until the plant is fully mature. This will ensure maximum yield and potency, as well as the best possible flavor and aroma.

Overall, the best time to pick your pot plants varies between strains and personal preference. By watching trichomes, pistil color, and leaves, along with patience and experience, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable harvest.