How To Harvest Cannabis Plants: Step-By-Step & Best Tips
By Ivan Morales. Sponsored by UP Venture Media
arvesting cannabis is the pinnacle of the growing process and can be
exciting for growers. It’s the stage where all the hard work comes
together, and the quality of the final product is determined. Because
of this, the timing and techniques used during harvesting are crucial
to ensuring a high-quality and bountiful yield.
This article will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on properly harvesting cannabis and expert tips for achieving the best possible results. I’ll cover things like signs to look for when to harvest and the proper tools and equipment needed. So, let's dive in and learn how to harvest cannabis like a pro.
How Do I Know When to Harvest My Cannabis Plants?
The length of the cannabis growing and harvest process typically ranges from 12 to 20 weeks, with the specific timing dependent on the choices made during the earlier phases of cultivation. During the initial stages of germination and seeding, the plant's growth is heavily influenced by the amount of light and nutrients it receives. These factors play a crucial role in determining the plant's development pace, ultimately impacting the overall duration of the growing and harvesting process.
Close monitoring of essential factors such as water, soil, and lighting becomes vital as the plant transitions to the vegetative and flowering stages. Proper watering of the plant, using smooth and well-fertilized ground, ensures optimal nutrient absorption, ultimately influencing the quality of the final harvest. Once the vegetative and flowering stages are complete, the plant enters the harvesting cycle, where the fruits of your labor are finally realized.
Determining the opportune moment to start harvesting cannabis is a pivotal skill for cultivators. This is why it’s essential for cultivators to take into account these helpful tips:
As the buds become denser and too heavy to stand independently, it signals a readiness for harvest.
Senescence, the yellowing of leaves, is a natural signal that the plant is nearing the end of its life cycle and is preparing for harvest.
Monitoring the pistils as they shift from their initial white hue to a rich brown provides insights into the plant's maturation.
The trichomes, those resinous glands covering the plant, are a window into its readiness. Clear milky white or brown trichomes indicate the plant is at its peak.
Auto-flowering plants are recommended for beginners, as they are easier to harvest. You can choose between harvesting them indoors or outdoors, with both displaying different features upon their completion. Personally, when I harvest cannabis, I prefer indoor harvesting, as it takes up less time than outdoor harvesting while also producing a higher yield as a result.
Here are some top-notch auto-flowering cannabis seeds for beginners:
| Seeds | Flowering Time | Yield | Price | Best Deals |
| Widow White Autoflower | 7 to 10 weeks | 5 to 15 oz. per plant | $119 | 
|
| Lambs Breath Autoflower | 7 to 9 weeks | 5 to 10 oz. per plant | $120 | 
|
| Blueberry Autoflower | 8 to 10 weeks | 5 to 15 oz. per plant | $133 | 
|
How to Harvest Cannabis Plants?
Learning to harvest cannabis plants is one of the most pivotal steps in the cannabis cultivation process, and mastering it ensures a successful yield. In this part of the step-by-step guide, I will take you through the pre and post-harvesting processes and give tips on ensuring you get the most out of your growing buds.
Prepare Marijuana to Harvest
Picking the right plants to harvest cannabis will always depend on what your preferences are. Growing the same strain or different strains can impact harvesting times. For example, Indica plants like Granddaddy Purple may mature faster than Sativa plants such as Sour Diesel. I would recommend starting with just one strain and selecting the cannabis plant with the lowest harvesting time. This will allow you to learn and have a more instructive experience.
Remove Large Leaves
Before harvesting cannabis, removing large leaves allows for better access to the cannabis buds. This step streamlines the process and prepares the plant for the following stages. For a more efficient removal of the cannabis plant leaves, I recommend long pruning shears that permit a more efficient cut. It’s essential to be careful not to harm the roots and stems of the marijuana plant when cutting, so be careful.
Flush Your Plants With Water for a Week
Flushing plants with water for a week before harvesting ensures that excess nutrients are removed, contributing to smoother and more flavorful individual buds. You can tell which plants are ready to be flushed by looking at the trichomes. Make sure not to drown the cannabis plant with too much water.
Prepare Your Drying Room
Creating an ideal drying room involves choosing a well-ventilated, dark space. This step sets the foundation for the curing process and helps prevent mold, allowing you to operate within a controlled environment. When I first started harvesting cannabis, I found much success with a temperature of around 53 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit and regulated humidity levels to about 45-65% for maximum air circulation when drying cannabis.
Cut Down and Dry the Whole Plant
After a successful harvest, carefully cutting down marijuana plants and drying them properly is essential. Hanging the plant upside down in a dark, ventilated space, like a closet, is recommended. If encountering problems, sometimes it’s recommended to wrap the cannabis plant in a specialized coat to help further dry the plant. The drying process typically takes at least one week.
Harvesting Cannabis: Next Steps
After harvesting cannabis, additional steps are crucial for optimizing the quality of your cannabis yield. In my experience, maximizing these steps has helped immensely with the quality of the harvest.
How to Trim Cannabis?
Trimming cannabis flowers is a meticulous process that influences the final product. Trimming is when you begin stripping the plant bare of all its buds. There are two known methods: dry trimming and wet trimming. Dry trim, while faster, can make trichomes falling out of the buds easier if you’re not careful. Wet trimming is laborious but allows you to remove specific components from the plant, such as sugar. Choosing the correct method depends on what your harvesting purposes are. I recommend waiting until the buds are appropriately dried to ensure a more straightforward and cleaner trimming process.
Time
The right time to trim will depend on what method you prefer. If you choose the dry trimming method, the best time would be the week after the plants are hung to dry. Two days after hanging the plant is best if you opt for the wet trimming method. It is recommended to cut the bigger leaves first before trimming.
Trimming Tools
Investing in quality trimming tools, such as gardening scissors and gloves, contributes to precision and speed. These tools can enhance the overall efficiency of the trimming process. However, if you trim your cannabis plants using the wet trimming method, more protective gloves will be required.
How to Dry Harvest Cannabis Plants?
Understanding the ideal conditions for drying harvested cannabis is crucial to preserving its potency and flavor. This section will teach you the best tools and procedures to make this possible.
Ideal Cannabis Conditions
Maintaining an ideal drying environment involves controlling humidity levels and ensuring proper air circulation. This step is fundamental to the overall quality of the final product. Always keep the temperature in the 50s and 60s (Fahrenheit). While it’s theoretically possible to increase the temperature to speed up the process, this could result in many complications, and beginners should focus on the fundamentals for a successful harvest.
Getting the Ideal Humidity Levels
Achieving the perfect humidity levels during the drying process prevents mold growth and preserves the integrity of the individual buds. Keeping humidity levels between 45-55% is ideal. As for maintaining a watchful eye, what has worked best for me has been a personalized routine of three to four check-ups each day. These practices will help you maintain adequate temperature and humidity levels.
How To Harvest Cannabis Plants FAQ
What Is the Best Cannabis Harvest Method?
Choosing the best harvest method depends on individual preferences and goals. Factors like strain, growing environment, and personal taste play a role in determining the ideal method.
Should I Hang My Whole Cannabis Plant to Dry?
Hanging the whole cannabis plant to dry is a common practice. However, considerations such as available space, humidity, temperature levels, and the potential for uneven drying should be considered. Always prepare a plan in case the drying process doesn’t go smoothly, such as temperature control and special coating measures.
Can I Cut a Bud off My Plant Early?
Cutting cannabis buds off early is possible, but it may result in lower potency. It's crucial to balance early harvesting with allowing the buds to reach their full cannabinoid content. To determine whether a plant is ready for cutting, check the color of the terpenes. If you’re unsure, it is best to wait a few days and recheck your cannabis flowers.
Do Buds Need to Dry in the Dark?
Yes, cannabis buds should dry in a dark environment. Exposure to direct sunlight during the drying process can degrade the quality of the buds, affecting flavor and potency.
Should I Harvest Based on Trichomes or Pistils?
The decision to harvest marijuana based on trichomes or pistils depends on personal preference. Harvesting based on trichomes is all about maximizing potency and psychoactive effects. When trichomes are primarily cloudy and amber in color, it's a sign that the THC levels are at their peak. Harvesting based on pistils (the little hairs on the buds) is more about maximizing the flavor and aroma of the plant. When pistils are primarily brown and curled in, it's a sign that the plant has reached peak maturity.
What Is the Most Potent Preparation of Cannabis?
The most potent preparation of cannabis varies among users. Options include smoking, vaping, or creating concentrates. Out of all these options, I’ve found the vape to be the most effective, but there are other more potent options, such as dabbing, though this should be reserved for more seasoned users.
How Do You Maximize Yields in Cannabis?
Maximizing yields involves selecting high-quality seeds, providing optimal growing conditions, and employing advanced cultivation techniques. Continuous learning and adapting to the plant's needs also contribute to successful yields.
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Final Thoughts on Harvesting Cannabis Plants
Harvesting cannabis plants requires a combination of observation, patience, and adherence to best practices. As you embark on the cannabis world, I recommend getting into the intricacies of different strains and growing methods to refine your skills. Each harvest presents a unique opportunity to enhance your understanding of cannabis cultivation, have your homegrown cannabis, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Happy cannabis harvesting!
Disclaimer: The information provided here is meant to increase your awareness about health and the potential benefits of the use of the products described in this article. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before starting any new health program or supplement regimen, consult a healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional.
