Ever wondered why some cannabis strains smell like a tropical vacation while others, well, not so much? It's all about those aromatic terpenes! These natural compounds give cannabis its signature scent and taste, like how cilantro can turn a bland dish into a flavor explosion.
But fear not. With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can grow sweet-smelling cannabis!
Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, understanding and enhancing terpenes is key to cultivating buds that smell awesome and taste just as good. So, let's dive into the world of terpenes and discover how to grow cannabis that truly stands out.
Terpenes Give Cannabis Its Flavor and Aroma
Terpenes are compounds found in cannabis plants, along with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. These terpenes present within trichomes are what give cannabis its unique flavor and aroma. For instance, the distinctive scent of each strain, like Strawberry Punch's berry essence, results from these terpenes.
Fun fact: these terpenes are also common in various other plants, including pepper, thyme, mango, and lemon! So, a terpene like limonene, which is preset on both citrus fruits and cannabis, is the reason why some strains get their fresh, lemon-like aroma and flavor.
Beyond adding pleasant scents to cannabis, terpenes serve a crucial role in protecting the plant from potential threats. Their strong aromas act as a defense mechanism against insects and animals that may harm the plant.
Moreover, they attract pollinators like honeybees that aid in the plant's reproduction process. Terpenes also assist the plant in adapting to its surroundings by triggering responses that promote its well-being.
Cannabis varieties or strains have a unique combination of these terpenes, leading to either sweeter or more intense fragrances. For instance, strains abundant in limonene carry a citrusy aroma whereas those rich in myrcene may exude musky scents.
The diversity and concentration of terpenes in cannabis buds significantly impact their aroma and flavor characteristics. Various factors influence terpene levels within the plant, with genetics playing a major role.
Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis
Let's explore some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis and their distinct characteristics:
This is the terpene that's responsible for the citrusy aroma of cannabis, akin to lemons. It also brings uplifting effects that may reduce stress and improve your mood.
This terpene is known for its musky, earthy scene, and is often associated with relaxation and sedation. It's commonly found in indica strains and mangoes.
Pinene gives cannabis its pine-like flavor and aroma, hence the name. It may even evoke images of fresh forests! It's known for improving your alertness and may even counteract memory impairment caused by THC.
This is a floral terpene that gives some strains hints of lavender and spice. It's an excellent terpene for its calming and anxiety-reducing properties.
This is a terpene that produces a spicy and peppery scent in certain cannabis strains. It may even interact with cannabinoid receptors in your brain to produce anti-inflammatory responses, making it an excellent choice for pain relief for some users.
Factors that Affect Terpene Production
Various environmental factors also influence terpene production significantly. These factors include:
1. Nutrition
Providing the ideal blend of nutrients can boost synthesis. Using soil or hydroponic solutions enriched with such nutrients tailored for cannabis cultivation can encourage plants with richer terpene profiles.
2. Lighting
Sufficient exposure to light is also critical. Utilizing full-spectrum lighting that replicates sunlight can help optimize terpene production.
3. Temperature and Humidity
The temperature during the growth and curing phases can impact terpene concentrations significantly. Cooler temperatures in the flowering phase can even aid in preserving terpenes that may otherwise degrade under heat.
On the other hand, maintaining optimal humidity levels is crucial for preservation. Excessive humidity may promote mold growth, posing a threat to terpenes while insufficient humidity could lead to bud dehydration and diminished aromatic properties.
4. Special Cultivation Techniques
Approaches like training and strategic bending can enhance air circulation and sunlight exposure leading to enhanced growth of terpenes. You may notice a more authentic blend of terpenes when you opt for cultivation methods that steer clear of pesticides and fertilizers.
By mastering and fine-tuning these aspects, you can enrich the composition of marijuana buds, resulting in a more fragrant end product. In the following sections, we'll explore various strategies and methods to amplify terpene output, ensuring your cannabis exudes its most delightful scents and flavors.
How to Increase Terpene Production in Cannabis Plants?
Now that you understand the basics, let's move on to what you can do to make your buds smell good. Here are a few things you can do to increase terpene production in cannabis plants.
1. Choose the Right Genetics
It all starts with genetics. If your cannabis strain is not genetically capable of producing sweet-smelling buds, no matter what you do, they will not get there. It's because the plant's genotype predetermines its characteristics like taste and aroma.
Here's the thing — genetics not only dictate how much terpenes are produced but also what type. If you've picked a sour strain, expecting it to smell like bubblegum is unrealistic. So, you need to pick cannabis strains that genetically smell sweet and produce a lot of trichomes. If you do this, everything else becomes much easier.
2. Start Your Plant in Super Soil
Super soil is an amazing way to start cannabis plants — many growers even believe it is the best way to give your plants a terrific start. It contains all the right nutrients that allow your plant to grow buds packed with trichomes.
You can buy super soil from the store, although it can be a bit expensive. Or you can make your super soil. The internet is packed with various recipes, but here's a simple one you can get started with:
- 1:3 perlite to organic starter soil
- 1 part worm castings
- Half a cup of greensand
- Half a cup of dolomite lime
- One-third cup of guano
Get this ratio right and you'll have a basic super soil at your disposal.
3. Don't Forget to Train Your Cannabis Plants
Training is a growing method where you manipulate the plant's shape. Doing so accomplishes two things. First, it improves the light and air penetration within the canopy, leading to consistent growth across the bud sites.
Second, it stresses out the plant. When your plant is under stress, it begins various immune responses that end up making the plant grow stronger and better. One side effect of this is that your plant will produce more trichomes and terpenes. Terpenes are used for defense, remember?
Here are some of the training methods you can use for your cannabis plant:
Low-stress training, or LST for short, is a simple technique used to shape cannabis plants without causing them too much stress. It's like giving them a little nudge in the right direction without overwhelming them. The goal? To boost trichome production and improve the overall look of your plants.
Here's how it works: during the early stages of growth, typically in the vegetative phase, you gently bend the main stem to encourage it to grow horizontally along the soil. This encourages the side branches to reach for the sky, creating an even canopy. All you need are a few garden ties and a steady hand to pull it off.
On the other hand of the spectrum is super cropping — a high-stress training method. Here, you need to gently squeeze and bend the branches to make them more pliable without snapping them off.
When done right, it creates injuries in branches that kick in the plant's defense mechanisms as it tries to heal it. This boosts trichome and terpene production. Additionally, the malleable branches are also easier to manipulate and direct to create an even canopy.
Then comes defoliation, where you have to strategically remove some of the larger fan leaves from your cannabis plant. This method can be combined with low-stress training to further improve light and air exposure within the canopy.
When you remove excess leaves, you encourage the plant to direct its energy toward top-tier bud sites, which are more likely to produce larger and more potent buds.
To defoliate, you need to carefully pluck or cut away the large fan leaves that are blocking the light from reaching the lower bud sides. Be cautious not to overdo it, as removing too many leaves can stress the plant excessively and affect its growth. Instead, you must aim to maintain a balance that maximizes light exposure while preserving foliage for photosynthesis.
By using these training methods in your cannabis operation, you can significantly improve the quality and quantity of your cannabis harvest. Each training method has its own unique benefits, and if you use them correctly, they can help you achieve a more bountiful and potent yield.
We've made dedicated, in-depth guides on these and various other training methods. Be sure to check them out to know all the steps and tips you need for training your cannabis plant.
4. Use the Right Nutrients
To enhance the flavor and fragrance of your cannabis buds, incorporating specific nutrients can yield noticeable improvements. Consider these tips to enhance your results:
Amino acids serve as the foundation for proteins and also play a role in various plant functions. For example, they support energy production, nutrient transportation, and the growth of flowers.
When amino acid formulas are applied as a spray during the flowering stage, they can significantly boost terpene production in buds, resulting in a richer flavor and aroma.
Molasses, a byproduct of sugar processing, is rich in carbohydrates and minerals. Including molasses in your plant's nutrition regimen can enhance soil health and encourage better bud growth. Molasses nourish soil microbes that support plant well-being and improve terpene production leading to more aromatic buds.
So, start by mixing 4–5 ml of molasses per liter of water and apply it to your plants 1–2 times per week during the vegetative phase. Increase the amount to 8–10 ml per liter during the flowering phase.
Opting for organic cultivation practices can markedly elevate the quality of your cannabis buds. So, consider the following approaches when it comes to nutrients.
No Dig Gardening
This technique involves minimal disruption to the soil ecosystem, allowing nature to flourish within. By refraining from plowing the land, you safeguard the microorganisms and fungi that play a massive role in recycling nutrients and maintaining the health of plants. This results in better plant growth and, subsequently, enhanced terpene output.
Beneficial Microorganisms
Incorporating beneficial microorganisms like mycorrhizal fungi into your planting environment can significantly enhance soil quality. Mycorrhizal fungi establish a bond with plant roots, extending their nutrient absorption capabilities. This partnership boosts plant well-being, and as a result, increases terpene production.
Homemade Fertilizers
Utilizing fertilizers on your crops can introduce a range of helpful microorganisms and nutrients. You can create such fertilizers by soaking compost in water, which extracts nutrients and beneficial microbes. Regular use of such fertilizers can enhance soil health and encourage robust terpene production.
Natural Nutrient Solutions
You can also opt for natural sources of nutrients, such as fish emulsion, bone meal, and kelp extract. These organic fertilizers offer nutrients without the worry of chemical residue buildup in the soil.
By focusing on these techniques, you can improve the taste and scent of your cannabis flowers. Whether you opt for amino acids, molasses, or natural growing methods, the key is to establish a nurturing environment for your plants. This will boost terpene production, leading to sweeter, more fragrant cannabis blooms.
5. Use More UV Light
Consider increasing the amount of UV light in your cultivation area to enhance your cannabis plant development. UV light, particularly UV-B rays, can significantly improve the quality of your flowers.
Trichomes are glands found on cannabis buds that serve as a natural defense mechanism. When exposed to UV-B light, the plant increases trichome production, akin to putting on natural sunscreen.
This heightened trichome production results in higher levels of terpenes and cannabinoids, making the buds more potent and flavorful. By integrating more UV light into your growing space, you can elevate the overall quality of your cannabis crop.
6. Keep Dark Hours Cooler
By mimicking the cooler temperatures that occur in nature during autumn, you can stimulate the plant's natural defense mechanisms, resulting in a more robust terpene profile.
So, for indoor growers, consider lowering the temperature by 12°C in the last two weeks of flowering, which can induce mild stress in plants, encouraging increased terpene production.
This temperature adjustment also aids in preserving these valuable compounds from degradation. You can use fans and air conditioning to make your grow room cooler effectively.
It's always a great idea to invest in a reliable temperature and humidity control system that ensures consistent environmental conditions for maximizing terpene expression and producing top-quality cannabis.
7. Lower the Temperature in the Last Week of Flowering
Adding to the previous point, you can take it up a notch and decrease the temperature during the entire last week of flowering. Many cannabis growers swear by this practice as they have gotten great results. While scientific research in this area is limited due to regulations, feedback from growers suggests that this approach can boost the production of terpenes significantly.
In the week leading up to harvest, the goal is to reduce temperatures by 5 to 10 degrees. This drop simulates a shift towards winter, prompting the plant to increase oil production as a defense mechanism. The idea is that the plant senses changes in the weather and increases its output as a protective response against potential environmental challenges.
But, first, know that you have to follow proper procedure. For example, start by lowering the temperature by just 1 or 2 degrees each day as you approach the final week of flowering. Aim to bring it down to around 65 to 70°F during the day and 55-60°F at night.
Use heaters or air conditioners to adjust the temperatures in a consistent manner without causing any sudden changes that might stress the plants.
Throughout this period, keep a watch on your plants to spot any signs of stress or negative responses. If you aren't convinced about whether this works, you can make a comparison between plants kept at slightly higher temperatures and those subjected to low temperatures to see how terpene levels differ.
8. Harvest On Time
Proper timing and techniques during the harvest are crucial for maximizing the flavor and potency of your cannabis buds. Here are the steps to ensure you get the best results:
Flush the Plant Before Harvest
Consider flushing your cannabis plant two weeks before harvest. This is entirely optional and there's no scientific evidence that it can increase the terpenes; however, some growers argue that it boosts terpene production significantly.
Here, all you need to do is water the plant with plain water a few times to remove any nutrients from the soil. This forces the plant to use up its nutrient reserves. The result will be a cleaner, better taste yield.
Time the Harvest Properly
It is recommended to harvest your plants when the trichomes have reached their peak potency. The ideal time for harvesting is when most trichomes are milky and about 70% of the pistils (the hair-like structures on the buds) have turned red.
Harvesting at this stage ensures maximum concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in the highest quality buds.
9. Post Harvest Practices
Let's say you take all the precautions and manage to grow some aromatic cannabis plants filled with resinous buds. Most people stop at this point. However, your work's not done yet. In fact, what comes after harvesting is much more crucial than growing the plant itself in maintaining the potency, taste, and scent of the buds. Drying and curing are two steps that can make all the difference in the world when done correctly. Mess this up, and you'll end up with inferior buds despite doing everything correctly while growing the buds.
Drying Techniques
Drying marks the first stage after harvesting. It helps eliminate moisture from the cannabis buds to prevent mold growth and prepare them for curing. Below are some tips to dry your buds properly:
The most common approach involves hanging complete plants or individual branches upside down in a controlled setting. For best results, the drying area should be dark with temperatures ranging between 60-70°F (15-21°C) and a relative humidity level of about 45-55%. The environmental conditions are extremely important, so do everything in your power to give the buds these exact conditions.
Another option is to use drying racks or screens for smaller spaces or larger harvests. Buds are arranged on these racks to allow airflow from all sides.
Be sure to maintain airflow around the racks to prevent moisture accumulation and mold formation. Fans can help with air circulation during the drying process. However, it's best not to aim them at the buds to prevent them from drying out too quickly.
Drying usually takes around 7-14 days depending on factors like the environment and the size of the buds. A gradual drying process is important for preserving terpenes and ensuring a great smoking experience. Don't try to speed up this process as the buds will not dry properly. If the buds remain wet, even if it's in just a few areas, you'll be inviting all types of mold. On the other hand, if the buds dry too much, you'll lose the terpenes, so take it slow and do it properly.
You'll know it's time to start curing when the smaller stems snap off when you bend them and the outer parts of the buds feel dry to the touch.
Curing
The biggest benefit of drying and curing the buds properly is that it improves the flavor and aroma to a great extent. The process of curing allows sugars and chlorophyll to break down further, resulting in a more enjoyable smoking experience.
In addition, cured cannabis offers an unparalleled smoking experience by breaking down harsh compounds during the curing phase. Properly dried and cured cannabis can be stored for long periods without quality loss, ensuring it remains fresh for an extended period.
Curing comes after drying. Here, you need to store the dried buds in a controlled environment to enhance their flavor, scent, and potency. Proper curing helps break down chlorophyll and other undesired compounds resulting in a fantastic smoking experience.
When curing, the type of jars you choose is very important. Put your dried buds in airtight glass jars filling them up to only 75% capacity to allow for air circulation. Use humidity-control packs to maintain appropriate humidity at around 58 to 62% in the jars. Doing so will ensure that the buds don't attract moisture or become too dry during the curing process. Keep these jars in a dry location at approximately 21°C (70°F).
Open the jars daily (aka burping) during the first week to release excess moisture and allow fresh air in. This curing process typically lasts a week or longer and is crucial for developing the full aroma and flavor profile of your cannabis. In addition, it will help prevent mold growth and maintain humidity levels in the jars.
You can also use a hygrometer to keep track of the humidity inside the jars. Maintaining the humidity levels is crucial for the processes that improve the quality of the buds.
Finally, remember that curing needs patience. It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to months. Longer curing times often lead to more robust flavor and smoother smoking experiences as chemical processes continue to refine the buds.
Regularly inspect the buds for mold or any issues but allow time for the curing process to do its job effectively. After completing the curing process, store your buds in airtight containers to maintain their quality.
Store jars in a dry and dark place to shield terpenes and cannabinoids from light and heat exposure, preserving their potency.
By mastering the drying and curing techniques, you can greatly improve the quality of your cannabis ensuring that the end product is aromatic, flavorful, and potent. These post-harvest methods are crucial for achieving good results from cultivation efforts.
10. Preserve Terpenes by Storing Them Properly
After curing the buds, storage is essential for preserving the quality and potency of cannabis buds, as the terpenes responsible for aroma, flavor, and therapeutic effects are very fragile. Here are some key practices to ensure terpenes remain intact during storage:
Here, you will need to consider three factors such as temperature, light exposure, and humidity, as mentioned already. After curing, store your buds in a dry environment at around 60-70°F (15-21°C). Higher temperatures can cause terpenes to evaporate and degrade, leading to a loss of aroma and therapeutic properties.
Also, ensure that the temperature is stable and doesn't fluctuate drastically as this may lead to the accumulation of moisture impacting the quality of the buds.
Coming to the humidity, it's best to maintain levels at around 55-62% to ensure that the buds are neither too dry nor too moist which could affect the preservation of terpenes. Using humidity control packs like Boveda (even after curing) in storage containers helps maintain the humidity levels.
To preserve the quality of cannabis buds, store them in a dark place or opaque containers to shield them from UV light that can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes. You can also use dark glass jars or specialized cannabis storage containers that block out light for the best storage conditions.
In addition, make sure you opt for glass jars with airtight seals like Mason jars as they prevent air exchange reducing oxidation and terpene loss risks. Keep in mind that glass does not interact with terpenes, unlike plastic or other materials, so the integrity of the terpenes is preserved. Plastic can leach harmful chemicals into the buds. It can also create static, which might attract trichomes leading to reduced potency and terpene levels.
As an alternative, you can also use silicone as it's nonreactive and great for storing small amounts of cannabis. Make sure they are sealed tightly to prevent the buds from constantly getting exposed to oxygen.
If you plan to store the buds for longer periods, you'll need to take a different approach. First, get a vacuum sealer and remove all the air from the bag of buds to lower oxidation risks without damaging the buds through compression. Or, you can get airtight bags that work similarly. The goal is to prevent air or oxygen from getting to the buds.
Next, freeze those bags to preserve terpenes and cannabinoids. Remember, the bags should be 100% airtight or moisture will seep in and ruin the buds. Ensure the buds are fully dried and cured before freezing to prevent ice crystal formation that could damage them.
Regardless of how and where you're storing the buds, check them regularly for any signs of mold or mildew. Maintaining proper humidity and temperature levels as mentioned above helps reduce this risk.
Finally, refrain from opening the container frequently as it introduces air containing oxygen, which can degrade terpenes.
By following these guidelines you can prolong the shelf life of your cannabis buds while preserving their terpene content. Proper storage not only maintains the flavors but also ensures that the therapeutic properties of the cannabis remain intact over time.
Additional Tips to Keep in Mind to Preserve Terpenes in Cannabis Buds
To help you produce sweeter buds on your cannabis plant, here are some additional tips you must keep in mind.
When you overfeed your cannabis plants, you can cause nutrient burns, which can hinder the plant's terpene production. So, always follow proper feeding routines and dosage recommendations based on your plant's growth stage.
Also, always monitor your cannabis plant for any signs of nutrient burns. The common symptoms include yellowing or browning of leaves. If you spot these symptoms, adjust the nutrient levels accordingly.
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Ensure Proper Air Circulation
If the air circulation in your grow room isn't adequate, it can create an environment that is conducive to mold and mildew growth. This can significantly compromise the quality and flavor of your buds. Not to mention, you must never smoke moldy buds — that's a recipe for disaster.
Instead, ensure proper ventilation and air circulation by using fans, exhaust systems, and filters. Protip: use negative air pressure in your grow room.
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Get Yourself Terpene Testing Kits
If you want to take this effort up a notch, you can even get yourself kits designed for testing terpene levels in cannabis flowers. Thanks to these kits, you can understand the flowers' aromatic profile better.
With this information, you can then make informed decisions about harvesting and curing the buds. If you maintain a grow journal, you can even track the progress you make in making your buds sweeter with such testing kits. They are worth it if you are a serious cannabis grower.
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Be Consistent in Your Efforts
Maintain a consistent care routine throughout the growth cycle to optimize terpene production. Monitor environmental factors, nutrient levels, and plant health diligently to ensure optimal conditions for terpene development. Be Patient
Remember that quality cannabis takes time to develop, especially during the curing process. So, resist the temptation to rush the process and allow your buds to mature fully. Proper curing enhances terpene levels and ensures a more potent and flavorful end product.
Summary: How to Grow Sweet Smelling Cannabis Buds
So, there you have it! Growing sweet-smelling cannabis buds requires attention to detail and the right techniques.
By focusing on genetics, providing nutrient-rich super soil, and using effective training methods, you can enhance terpene production in your plants. You can even incorporate UV light, manage temperature and humidity, and harvest at the optimal time — these are crucial steps.
Finally, proper drying and curing processes further ensure the preservation of flavor and potency. With these strategies, you can cultivate cannabis that not only smells amazing but also offers a rich and enjoyable experience.
Remember, it's all about creating the perfect environment for those trichome-packed flowers to flourish. So, what are you waiting for? Get started now, and use the tips mentioned above to create an environment for trichome-rich buds. To learn more about such cannabis growing tips, stay tuned to our blog.
