Introduction
Deciding when to harvest your outdoor weed can be tricky. There are a few key factors to consider when determining the optimal time to harvest for maximum yield and potency. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on identifying when cannabis plants are ready to harvest outdoors.
How to Tell When Outdoor Weed is Ready to Harvest
Examine the Trichomes
The best way to identify peak ripeness for harvesting is by examining the trichomes on the buds. Trichomes are the tiny, hair-like crystals on the leaves and buds that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to get a close look at the trichome heads. When the trichome heads first form, they will appear clear or transparent. As the plant matures, the trichome heads will turn milky white or cloudy. When the trichome heads begin to turn amber, the plant has reached peak ripeness for harvest.
Most growers prefer to harvest when the trichome heads are between 50-70% amber. This ensures maximum THC levels and provides some CBD for a balanced effect. Harvesting earlier when trichomes are still clear will produce more of an uplifting, cerebral high.
Monitor the Pistils
Another handy visual indicator is the color of the pistils. Pistils are the thin hairs that emerge from the buds. When the plant is immature, the pistils are white. As it approaches peak ripeness, the pistils will darken and begin to change from white to brown, orange or red.
The changing pistil color happens in correlation with the trichome ripeness. Once 50-70% of the white pistils have darkened, the trichomes should be adequately amber and ready for harvest.
Observe Plant Fading
As cannabis nears the end of its life cycle, the leaves will begin yellowing, wilting, and dropping off. This is a natural part of the maturation process as the plant redirects its energy to develop the flower buds instead of leaves.
Significant fading and yellowing leaves are a good indicator the plant is getting close to its ideal harvest window. It is suitable to harvest once 30-50% of the large fan leaves have yellowed. This fading usually coincides with the trichomes and pistils showing ripeness.
Monitor Flowering Time
Most cannabis strains will be ready to harvest after 7-9 weeks of blooming. Autoflowering strains normally finish a few weeks faster, while some indica strains may take a week or two longer.
Use the estimated flowering time of your particular strain as a guide for when to start checking the trichomes, pistils, and fade indicators more closely. This gives you a target window to begin paying close attention and look for the peak ripeness signs.
Check the Bud Density
Another useful gauge is monitoring the bud density and development. Buds will appear loose and airy at the onset of flowering. As they mature and swell with resin, the buds will become denser and tighter.
Well-developed buds with dense, sticky flowers full of trichomes are a sign the cannabis is reaching maturity. The bud density and trichome production will peak by the end of the ideal harvest window.
Consider Indoor vs. Outdoor
Outdoor cannabis plants usually take a bit longer to fully ripen compared to indoor grows. The natural sunlight outdoors is less intense than indoor lighting. This means the outdoor flowering time may extend an extra 1-2 weeks in some cases.
Factor the indoor vs. outdoor difference into your harvest timing if switching between cultivation methods. Outdoor harvests typically occur in October or November once the weather has cooled, but there can be regional and climatic variations.
When to Harvest Based on Effects
The timing of the harvest not only impacts yields but also affects the type of high and effects. Use these guidelines when targeting a particular effect:
- Energetic Cerebral High: Harvest when most trichome heads are still clear and milky. THC will be high but CBD low.
- Balanced Euphoric High: Harvest when trichomes are around 50% amber. Equal levels of THC and CBD provide a blend of effects.
- Sedative Body High: Harvest when trichomes are 70-90% darkened amber. Higher CBD and degraded THC result in more relaxing effects.
- Maximum THC Potency: Harvest when trichomes are around 60-70% amber. Peak THC combined with some CBD.
Keep in mind these are general guidelines, and effects will vary based on the strain and individual plant. Some experimentation may be needed to dial in your perfect harvest window for the desired characteristics.
How to Harvest Outdoor Cannabis Plants
Once your plants have reached their ideal ripening window, here are some tips for harvesting your outdoor weed:
- Harvest in the morning after the dew has evaporated to prevent mold.
- Use pruning shears or trimming scissors to cut each plant at the base of the stem.
- Gently handle the plants to avoid knocking off trichomes.
- Remove large fan leaves and trim away any dying vegetation.
- Hang plants upside down in a dry, dark space with ample airflow.
- Maintain temperatures around 60-70°F and humidity under 50% during drying.
- Allow plants to dry for 7-14 days until the smaller stems snap when bent rather than bending.
- Once dried, trim off remaining leaves and manicure the buds.
- Transfer to glass jars for curing, opening daily for 2-4 weeks to control humidity.
Proper drying and curing are just as vital as identifying the ideal harvest time for premium quality buds. With some patience and practice, you will be able to consistently produce high-quality outdoor cannabis harvests.
FAQs About Harvesting Outdoor Weed
When should I harvest outdoor weed?
The ideal time to harvest outdoor weed is when the trichomes start turning amber, around 50-70%. Monitor the trichome heads under a magnifying glass for the best gauge of ripeness.
Can I harvest weed early?
You can harvest weed a little early when the majority of trichomes are still cloudy and few are amber. This will produce buds with a more uplifting, cerebral effect. However, THC levels may not reach their full potential without adequate ripening time.
What happens if I harvest too early?
Harvesting too early when the trichomes are still mostly clear will result in lower yields and less potent buds. It can also cause issues when drying and curing the buds properly. Wait until at least some cloudy trichomes develop.
What happens if I harvest too late?
If you harvest too late when the trichomes are mostly all amber, the THC begins degrading and you lose some potency. The buds may also be overripe and affect the taste. It’s better to harvest a little early than too late.
How much weed can I harvest from one plant outdoors?
The yield from one outdoor weed plant can vary substantially based on the strain, growing conditions, space available, and your cultivation skills. Anywhere from 1 to 10+ ounces per plant is possible for outdoor grows.
What do I do after harvesting weed plants?
After harvesting the plants, they need to be dried and cured. Hang whole plants or branches upside down to dry for 7-14 days at 60-70°F and under 50% humidity. Trim off leaves, jar the buds, and open daily for 2-4 weeks of curing.
Conclusion
Determining the optimal harvest window for your outdoor weed takes some observation of trichome ripeness, pistil color, plant fade, flowering time, and bud density. Harvesting when trichomes are around 50-70% amber provides a balance of maximum THC potency and pleasant effects. With the right timing and post-harvest procedures, you can enjoy sizable yields of high-quality outdoor cannabis from each grow.