When to harvest

Hey 👋 thanks for sharing the pics, that helps a lot. First: overall assessment Your plants are clearly in late flower, stacking is done, and you’re now in the ripening + senescence window. What we see on the leaves (yellowing, edge burn, fading) is normal late-flower behavior, not a failure — especially around day 70+. Buds look well developed, frosty, and mature structurally 👍 About trichomes & timing If you’re struggling to see trichomes clearly: • A cheap 60–100x loupe or phone macro lens helps a lot • Always check calyx trichomes, not sugar leaves (those amber earlier) For couch-lock, your instinct is correct: • You want mostly cloudy trichomes • With ~15–30% amber on the calyx Based on: • Day 72 now • Bud structure • Leaf fade stage 👉 Your estimate of ~7–14 days is very reasonable. About your plan (dry-back + chop) This part is important 👇 Letting the pots dry before chop is fine, but: • Don’t wait for extreme wilting • You don’t need the plant to “almost die” A normal dry-down before harvest is enough. Over-drying can: • Stress terpenes • Reduce final aroma • Make trim harsher If pots normally dry in ~5 days, chopping around day 82–85 makes sense if trichomes agree. What I’d suggest practically and remember all you read here is just my humble opinion, please trust yous instincts always 🙏 From today: • Check trichomes every 2–3 days • Ignore sugar leaves • Focus on calyx heads When you see: • Mostly cloudy • Amber starting to appear consistently 👉 Start your final dry-down and prepare to chop within the week. Final reassurance You’re not late, you’re not early, and nothing looks wrong here. This is exactly what late flower is supposed to look like. Trust: • The trichomes • Not the calendar • Not leaf color alone You’re close — patience now = better effect later 👌 Growers Love my friend and keep us posted 💚💚💚