Marijuana grown outdoors requires more patience and attentiveness than indoor grows. Determining the optimal time for harvesting is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an outdoor cannabis cultivator. With the right timing and technique, you’ll maximize yields of potent, flavorful buds.
Introduction
Outdoor marijuana cultivation comes with its own unique set of challenges compared to indoor growing. One key difference is that outdoor plants must be hardy enough to withstand unpredictable weather, pests, mold, and other environmental factors. This makes knowing when to harvest outdoor marijuana plants an essential skill.
Harvest time has a significant impact on the quantity and quality of your final product. Premature harvesting reduces yields and potency. Harvesting too late can diminish THC levels or expose buds to dangerous molds. By closely monitoring trichome development and pistil coloring, you can identify peak ripeness and harvest at just the right moment.
When is Marijuana Ready for Harvest?
The most reliable indicators of ripeness are:
- Trichome development – Trichomes are the frosty, hair-like glands containing cannabinoids and terpenes. They transition from clear to cloudy to amber as THC levels peak and decline. Most growers harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with some amber.
- Pistil coloring – The pistils (hairs) protruding from calyxes change from white to reddish brown. About 70-90% darkened pistils signals prime harvest time.
- Bud density – Buds fill out and become dense and compact as they mature. Loose, airy buds are not yet fully developed.
- Calyx swelling – Calyxes fatten and swell when brimming with resin. Peak ripeness occurs when calyxes have reached maximum size.
- Fade in foliage – Fan leaves gradually yellow and wither. This fade indicates the plant is putting its energy into the buds rather than leaves.
Other factors that help determine optimal harvest time:
- Strain genetics – Sativas take longer to mature than indicas. Know your strains’ flowering time.
- Intended use – Growers may harvest earlier for a cerebral, energetic high or later for more sedation.
- Weather forecast – Impending heavy rain or frost may force emergency harvests.
- Plant health – Nutrient deficiencies and pests may accelerate fading.
Timing the Harvest
Outdoor marijuana plants typically reach maturity anywhere from late September through November in the northern hemisphere, or late March through May in the southern hemisphere, depending on your region and climate conditions.
Equatorial regions allow year-round outdoor cultivation with multiple harvests. Use these tips to identify prime harvest windows:
- Begin checking trichomes with a magnifier 2-3 weeks before the anticipated finish date.
- Watch for the first amber trichomes to appear. Clear trichomes indicate insufficient maturity.
- Harvest when trichomes are about 30% amber and 70% cloudy. This level usually produces a balance of potency and flavor.
- Take notes on the maturation rate to estimate future harvest times.
- Harvest progressively – Take early “green cuts” of upper buds while letting lower buds further mature.
- Cut in the morning after dew dries but before intense sun reduces terpenes.
If trichomes are difficult to inspect:
- Gauge ripeness by the percentage of reddish pistils.
- Study calyx swelling and fade progression.
- Consider previous experience with the strain.
Harvesting Techniques
Once buds reach peak ripeness, use these methods to harvest outdoor plants:
- Whole plant harvest – Cut the entire plant at the base and hang upside down to dry. This is easiest but reduces future yields.
- Progressive harvest – Remove ripe colas while leaving immature lower buds. Allows continuous harvests.
- Staggered harvests – Harvest different plants on different days as they each ripen. Spreads workload over time.
Follow these steps for harvest day:
- Prune away large fan leaves for better airflow.
- Wash scissors or pruning shears in alcohol to prevent spreading disease.
- Cut each stem at an angle just above buds, leaving some stem below for hanging.
- Handle gently to avoid knocking off trichomes.
- Transfer cut branches immediately to a drying area.
Drying and Curing Marijuana
After harvesting, the marijuana must be dried and cured to complete the extraction of chlorophyll and starches while preserving cannabinoids and terpenes. This improves flavor, aroma, and smokeability.
Drying guidelines:
- Dry for 7-14 days at 60-70°F and 40-50% relative humidity.
- Avoid excess heat, light, and air circulation.
- Use a dedicated drying space like a grow tent with a humidity monitor.
- Hang whole branches or loosely arrange buds on screens.
- Rotate buds and lightly trim as needed to aid drying.
- When stems snap rather than bending, drying is complete.
Curing guidelines:
- Cure for 4-8 weeks in sealed glass jars, opened briefly daily to release moisture.
- Maintain humidity between 55-65% using hydration packs if needed.
- Store jars in a cool, dark space while burping and rotating.
- Buds are fully cured when stems are brittle and the aroma is well established.
Proper drying and curing transforms fresh-cut marijuana into a consumable end product brimming with cannabinoids and rich terpene aromas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start checking trichomes?
Begin inspecting trichomes with a jewelers loupe or pocket microscope around 2-3 weeks prior to the estimated finishing date. This gives you enough time to monitor their progression.
What if I can’t easily see the trichomes?
If heavy resin or leaf growth prevents close inspection, rely more on the percentage of reddish pistils and other signs like fading leaves and calyx swelling.
What if cold weather comes before plants are ready?
If possible, construct a temporary greenhouse or enclosure with plastic sheeting and hoops to protect plants. Portable heaters can help avoid frost damage.
Should I flush before harvesting?
Flushing is controversial but some growers stop nutrients 1-2 weeks prior to flush out chlorophyll and improve smoothness.
Can I harvest different parts of the plant at different times?
Yes, progressive harvesting involves removing fully ripe upper colas first while allowing lower buds to mature longer before the final harvest.
Conclusion
Determining the best time to harvest outdoor marijuana is vital for maximizing yields of flavorful, potent buds. By closely monitoring the telltale signs of peak maturity like cloudy trichomes and reddening pistils, you can harvest at just the right moment. Proper drying and curing completes the process, yielding sweet and smooth cannabis that justifies all your hard work. With practice, you’ll become adept at identifying each strain’s perfect harvest window.