Importance of Trichomes: When To Harvest Cannabis Plants And How To Do It

Congratulations, your cannabis plant is finally blooming with flowers! You've earned it! Now, the crucial question arises, ”When is the right time to harvest it?” Remember, timing is key at this stage as harvesting early or late may lead to poor yields and low-quality buds. 

The answer lies in observing the color of trichomes on your cannabis plant’s buds through a magnifying glass. So why wait? Let's examine your plant's trichomes!

Understand the Typical Growth Period of Your Cannabis Strain

The first step is to determine how long it usually takes for your cannabis strain to develop from seed to harvest. Without this knowledge, assessing the trichomes would be like taking a shot in the dark. 

So how long does it typically take for a cannabis plant to grow from being a seedling to reaching maturity and being ready for harvesting? This timeline varies based on factors such as genetics and strains, spanning from two to seven months. That is quite a period, isn't it? 

Understanding the factors influencing this duration is important. The primary factor is the strain of cannabis you are cultivating; some strains have much longer growth cycles, while others, like autos, can mature in a few weeks. Additionally, factors such as your growing setup, plant size, and growing medium also play a role.

Typically cannabis plants sprout within a week; they then undergo the vegetative stage for four to eight weeks and then flower for up to 10 weeks. 

Determining its timeline may seem daunting if you are cultivating a strain for the first time. However, you can refer to the information on the seed packaging or recommendations provided by the breeder. 

Also, various cannabis strains may have varying densities, sizes, and colors when it comes to their trichomes. To accurately assess the readiness for harvest and overall health of your cannabis plants, it's important to understand the characteristics of the strain you're growing. What works for one strain may not apply to another.

Thus, don't overlook the differences when evaluating trichomes as it can lead to incorrect judgments. Just like there are differences in how various strains grow, you'll see that the trichomes can also vary in density, size, and color among strains.

Trichome density indicates the number of trichomes on the buds and leaves. While some strains are naturally adept at producing oodles of trichomes, other strains may not perform similarly. They may have fewer trichomes spread out sparsely. If your main goal is to grow cannabis plants with a heavy sprinkling of trichomes, you must choose strains with the right genetics to support that. This is also why your plant may not produce enough trichomes even if you do everything right. 

Thus, get acquainted with the traits of the strain before you start cultivating plants. Study the strain’s lineage, growth patterns, and potential to produce a generous amount of trichomes. You can also ask other growers who have grown similar strains to get an idea of what to expect. Another easy way is to check out our grow dairies. Simply type in the name of the strain, click on a grow diary and you’ll know everything about how the strain performs. 

Reputable seed banks usually include information on their packaging regarding aspects like expected growth and flowering times cultivation tips and other recommendations. This is why it is essential to purchase seeds from trusted breeders as they not only offer accurate information but also conduct third-party tests ensuring high-quality plants. 

What are Cannabis Trichomes?

Understanding trichomes is another aspect of cultivation. What exactly are trichomes? These small hair-like structures appear on the buds. And they play a crucial role in signaling the readiness of your plant for harvest, although that is not their main function. 

Trichomes are found on the surface of the flowers and consist of hairs, scales, and papillae. These structures house the cannabinoids and terpenes for imparting flavors, scents, and potency to your buds. Beyond this, cannabis trichomes play various roles within the plant.

Trichomes serve as a defense mechanism for cannabis plants against pests, animals, and UV radiation that can pose threats to their flowers. In such situations, trichomes step in as protectors by deterring animals with their taste and shielding the buds from intense sunlight.

It's ironic how nature works—plants aim to reproduce by growing buds but face vulnerability to elements, and what’s supposed to protect the buds is what makes them so appealing to us. 

Moreover, trichomes play a role in determining the readiness of your plant for harvesting. Their changing colors as they develop signify stages of maturity.

When growing a cannabis plant, it's important to know when it's ready, for harvest. Trichomes are indicators of the plant's maturity level. The color of trichomes can give you information about this. As mentioned later in the article you can use a magnifying glass to examine this.

Different Types of Cannabis Trichomes

Trichomes, which are hair-like structures on female cannabis plants' surface play a key role in producing cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that affect the plant's aroma, taste, and effects. 

Knowing about the types of trichomes produced by cannabis can offer insights into its growth stages and potential applications. Here are some common types of trichomes found on plants;

1. Glandular Stalked Trichomes

These trichomes have a stalk or stem supporting a head where cannabinoids and terpenes are created and stored. Glandular stalked trichomes are crucial for developing the compounds that give cannabis strains their flavors and effects. Developing these trichomes further can improve the quality of the plant's yield.

2. Sessile Trichomes

Sessile trichomes, which are smaller in size at around 25 microns do not have a stalk. They are commonly found on the leaves and anthers of the cannabis plant with variations on anthers. While they may not produce cannabinoids and terpenes as glandular stalked trichomes, they still contribute to the plant's physiology and defense mechanisms.

3. Unicellular Trichomes

These trichomes can be seen on both the buds and leaves of the plant from the growth stages. Unicellular trichomes help regulate temperature and transpiration processes within the plant. While they may not directly impact production, they play roles in maintaining overall plant health and vigor.

4. Cystolithic Trichomes

Cystolithic trichomes emerge in the cannabis growth cycle. They give the plant's surface a rough texture that may act as a natural deterrent against pests aiding in safeguarding the plant from potential threats.

While we don't have an understanding of how cystolithic trichomes play a role in producing cannabinoids, we do know that they do play a part in the plant's ability to withstand challenges and protect itself.

5. Bulbous Trichomes

Among the types of trichomes, bulbous trichomes are the smallest, ranging from 10 to 20 microns in size. They can be found across all parts of the cannabis plant, including its stems. 

Even though they may not stand out much as trichome variants, bulbous trichomes still play a significant role in determining the overall levels of cannabinoids and terpenes, in the plant. Their wide distribution ensures that cannabinoid production occurs throughout various parts of the plant rather than being restricted to specific regions.

The wide range of trichomes on the cannabis plant highlights the complexity of its biology and the significance of these structures in shaping its features and potential applications. By grasping the types of trichomes and their roles, you can refine your cultivation techniques to improve the quality and potency of your yields.

Use Your Magnifying Glass to See Cannabis Trichomes

How should you examine trichomes effectively? This question should be addressed before delving into observation. Typically most growers find that using a magnifying glass or handheld magnifier is ideal.

These small tools are affordable, and you might already have them at home. They are available in different strengths, so it's important to choose one that suits your needs. While there are options, not all may be suitable. 

Some growers rely solely on what they see, but you shouldn’t make that mistake! Yes, it's understandable that you depend on what you see, especially when it comes to judging the progress of the trichomes; however, doing this can introduce significant errors if you're new to growing cannabis. This is because trichomes are so tiny that it can result in misinterpretations and unreliable evaluations of ripeness.

So, no matter how much you trust yourself and your eyes, it's best to get a magnifying glass. If you want to take it a step further, you can even get a microscope. These tools enable a proper look at trichomes, so you'll be able to judge everything correctly, from their size, shape, and color. 

A magnifying glass with a high magnification power serves as an easily accessible tool for most growers. For best results, select a magnifier with a strength between 30x to 100x, and consider those with built-in lighting features — it will make your task much easier. 

With this tool, you can easily differentiate between stages of trichome development as you can maneuver it effortlessly around the plant for a comprehensive inspection. On the other hand, a microscope offers greater magnification levels, enabling a more precise assessment of trichome characteristics.

Using either a magnifying glass or microscope not only enhances the precision of trichome evaluation, but you can also make well-informed decisions as to when you can harvest your precious plants. From the ratio of clear to cloudy trichomes and the presence of amber-colored trichomes, you will see it all. 

If you don't have a magnifying glass, consider using a jeweler's loupe. While loupes are a bit pricier than magnifying glasses, they are durable. They are often made of metal ensuring long-term use. Additionally, loupes come with built-in magnification features that can be quite beneficial.

In case you don't have access to either of these tools, you can always rely on your smartphone. Modern smartphones boast telephoto lenses that allow for up close shots; although you don't necessarily need the latest Samsung S24 Ultra model—a regular camera phone will suffice. 

Simply switch to macro mode to zoom in on the trichomes for a view. If your phone lacks a telephoto/macro lens, consider investing in add-on lenses for some extra zoom capability.

How to Harvest at the Right Time by Looking at Cannabis Trichomes?

You spend weeks growing your cannabis plants. From spending on grow lights to seeds, soil, equipment to control the temperature, and more, you put in a lot of effort and money. However, the last few weeks of flowering are crucial. It can make the difference between stellar buds that offer the effects you expect and puny buds that don't do anything. 

The timing is extremely important — much more than anything you've done to grow the plants. And, you can harvest at the right time only by looking at the trichomes and pistils. 

Harvesting early or too late can have an impact on the chemical makeup and sensory characteristics of the buds. Simply put, don’t mess up at this stage! Once you grow and harvest a few plants, you'll get the hang of it, but you should first understand how to do it. 

As your cannabis plant nears harvest time, it's natural to feel eager to determine if it's ready for harvesting. Grab your magnifying glass, then. Carefully observe the trichomes. The key is to pay attention to their colors. 

When the plant matures, the trichomes change color as they degrade. It's important to choose the right moment when most trichomes are still fresh while some are beginning to degrade. Let's explore what you might observe on your cannabis plant. 

• Clear Trichomes 

In the early stages of bud development, the trichomes will appear clear and almost see-through. This indicates that they are fresh and immature, likely lacking in terpene content. 

If the trichomes are mostly clear, it means that the plant hasn't reached its peak potency yet. During this stage, cannabinoids like THC and CBD haven't formed fully and exist only in small amounts. 

If you harvest the plants at this stage, you'll end up with buds that are less or not potent at all. The psychoactive effects that THC is so famous for will be almost nil. If you're looking for therapeutic properties from CBD, you're out of luck as it wouldn't have developed fully either. Moreover, the taste might lack depth since the terpenes that give the plant its scent and flavor haven't fully matured as well. 

Remember not to harvest your buds when the trichomes are clear. 

• Cloudy Trichomes 

When you notice that the trichomes have turned cloudy or milky white, it signals that they have started developing terpenes and cannabinoids inside them. They will remain cloudy for two weeks before reaching peak readiness for harvesting.

It’s generally not advised to harvest the buds when all the trichomes are cloudy. Some folks might find it fun to do so at this point. Cloudy trichomes typically result in an imaginative high if that's what you're after.

• Amber Trichomes

Moving on to amber trichomes. This is the stage where your cannabis buds near harvest. It doesn't necessarily mean it's time to harvest because the cannabinoids inside have already begun to break down.

For example, THC starts converting into CBN (cannabinol) due to exposure to light and heat when the trichomes become amber. This can lead to a laid-back high, so unless that's your aim 100% amber trichomes may indicate it's too late. It means that the buds are overripe and the cannabinoids are declining steadily. 

Harvest At The Right Time

Now here's the catch. Not all trichomes on the buds change color simultaneously. Some start changing before others. So how do you handle this? Take advantage of it!

The optimal time for harvesting the buds is when around 70% of the trichomes are cloudy or amber. This again depends on your desired type of high.

For an energetic buzz, pick the buds when about 70% of the trichomes look cloudy and around 30% appear amber, or do the opposite for a more relaxed high. This is when cannabis buds are at their harvesting stage. 

Extended exposure to light, heat, and oxygen during prolonged maturation periods can speed up the degradation process leading to a flavor characterized by a harsh stale taste.

To avoid these issues, you should closely monitor the development of trichomes and harvest at the right time when they reach maturity. 

In short, the best time to harvest is usually when trichomes shift from clear to cloudy or milky indicating peak production. During this phase, THC levels are at their highest for great effects while terpenes are fully developed for a rich flavor and aroma profile.

How To Determine When to Harvest Cannabis Using Pistils?

Additionally, pay attention to the pistils. These are crucial for the reproduction process in cannabis plants acting as the part that captures pollen and aids in pollination. While their main role is for reproduction, pistils also serve as indicators of plant maturity and overall health for growers.

Within the pistil structure, each carpel contains a stigma and style. When pollen from male cannabis plants lands on the stigma, it sticks to its surface and kickstarts pollination. As a result, the fertilization of the ovary starts developing seeds to ensure plant continuity.

For growers, monitoring the color and state of pistils is a way to gauge plant maturity and pinpoint the right time for harvesting. As flowering progresses, pistils undergo color changes that offer cues on when to harvest your plants.

At first, the pistils are white, showing that the flower is in its early growth stage. However, as the plant grows older, the pistils change to vibrant colors like orange, brown, red, or pink depending on the plant's genes and chemical makeup.

The shift from white to orange indicates that carotenoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids are building up in the pistils, signaling peak ripeness and optimal cannabinoid production. Orange pistils act as a signal for growers indicating the moment to harvest the buds for maximum potency and flavor.

When examining strains you might notice pistils that have a pink tint, which comes from anthocyanins pigments commonly found in fruits and vegetables. These pigments attract pollinators. Also, they protect against UV rays enhancing the plant's strength and maturity.

On the other hand, if you spot brown pistils it's important to investigate further as this could indicate fertilization and seed development. Fertilized pistils mark the end of the flowering phase and the beginning of seed formation, potentially affecting the harvest quality. 

Brown pistils appearing without male plants present could suggest hermaphroditism or intersexuality due to stress factors like light leaks, excessive light exposure, or unfavorable growing conditions.

To prevent issues related to hermaphroditism and ensure a good harvest, you need to maintain the right growing conditions such as proper lighting, humidity levels, and nutrient balance. 

Talking about the environmental factors, remember that even trichomes can be affected by them. Environmental elements like temperature, humidity, and light intensity can significantly influence trichome growth and appearance as they play a role in resin production and trichome density. 

This is why expert growers are so particular about the temperature and humidity while growing cannabis. And, it doesn't stop there as the right environment is crucial for assessing the trichomes as well. 

Cannabis plants thrive best within a temperature range between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C) during the flowering phase. Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can stress the plant and hinder trichome production. High temperatures may also degrade trichomes, leading to reduced levels and potency. Conversely, low temperatures can slow metabolic processes delaying trichome maturation and reducing resin output.

Humidity levels are also crucial for trichome growth. Cannabis plants prefer humidity levels of around 40% to 60% during the flowering period. Excessive humidity can encourage mold and mildew to thrive, which could harm the quality of trichomes and the overall health of plants. In contrast, low humidity may result in moisture depletion from plants and stress the plants so much that there's a reduction in resin output. 

Coming to lighting, the intensity and the types of light can also impact the trichomes and the production of cannabinoids. When cannabis plants are in the flowering stage, it's important to provide the right conditions to boost trichome growth and resin buildup. For this, you must use the right spectrum of light. During flowering, cannabis plants prefer a mix of red and orange wavelengths for healthy trichome development and improved cannabinoid creation. You should also manage the light intensity as plants exposed to excessively bright lights for prolonged periods can experience light burn or light stress that eventually harms trichome production. 

Most importantly, remember that the environment should be consistent. Sudden changes in temperature, humidity, or light can disturb metabolic processes and stress the plant, thereby reducing resin production. 

Additional Visual Indicators for Timing Your Cannabis Harvest

As you prepare to harvest your cannabis plant it's crucial to pay attention to cues. One way to know when it's time to harvest is by checking the stigmas on the buds. These tiny hair-like structures are white at first and then gradually turn an orange color while curling up. 

This change in color and shape indicates that the plant is mature and ready for harvesting. Keeping an eye on these changes in the stigmas can help you determine the time to harvest your cannabis crop.

Another sign to look out for as flowering nears its end is the color of the leaves. During flowering, cannabis plants use a lot of nitrogen which keeps their leaves green and healthy. However, as the flowering phase comes to a close, the plant needs less nitrogen, leading to a yellowing of the fan leaves. This yellowing is natural, and it shows that the plant is almost ready for harvest.

Changes in leaf structure can also give hints about when it's time to harvest. As the plant reaches its final stage, it requires less water, causing moisture levels in the leaves to drop.  When a plant lacks water, its leaves may curl upwards and dry out. This curling and drying of the leaves can signal that the plant is reaching its ripeness and approaching harvest time.

Also, remember that curled leaves may not always indicate maturity; they could be caused by other issues like lack of nutrients or insufficient watering. Therefore, it's essential to consider this sign alongside other indicators to ensure your plant is truly ready for harvest without facing stress or nutrient imbalances.

Finally, you should always handle the trichomes properly. 

You already know the importance of trichomes and their role in producing cannabinoids. Naturally, handling them roughly will be detrimental to the buds. In addition, rubbing or brushing against the plant can result in trichomes breaking off or getting flattened, thereby reducing resin production and weakening the potency of the harvest. The terpenes will also get damaged along with the trichomes. 

Also, there's a risk of contaminating the plants every time you touch them. For instance, you could transfer dirt, oils, or a myriad of microorganisms onto the plants. 

This sounds like it isn't a big deal, but there's a reason why commercial producers that handle buds don't do it without wearing gloves. They don't want to contaminate the plants and reduce the potency and aroma of the plants they've worked so hard to cultivate. 

To avoid these problems, first make sure you wear gloves before handling the plants. Handle the plants as gently as possible so the trichomes remain intact. 

Summary: Importance of Trichomes: When To Harvest Cannabis Plants And How To Do It

Timing is crucial in cannabis harvesting. Harvesting too early or too late can have an impact on the quality and potency of your final product. Looking at clues like the color of the stigma and the yellowing of leaves can tell us a lot about how mature a plant is, but it's just as important to check the trichomes.

Trichomes are resin glands that cover the buds' surface and give us clues about how cannabinoids and terpenes the plant is producing. Watching how the trichomes look helps us figure out when it's best to harvest. 

If most of the trichomes are clear or see-through like glassy spheres, it means the plant is still young. At this stage its resin glands haven't reached their peak strength yet so harvesting early can mean buds with less flavor, scent, and potency.

On the other hand, if most trichomes have turned amber or feel brittle when you touch them, it's a sign that the buds are past their prime. Overripe buds might taste slightly bitter. If they're exposed to light and air for a long, the THC levels can drop, making the overall harvest less potent. 

To achieve the balance of flavor, aroma, and potency, it's best to play it safe and harvest the plant when around half of the trichomes have turned white or cloudy. This stage signals that the resin glands have reached their peak maturity containing the right levels of cannabinoids and terpenes. Harvesting at this point guarantees that the buds will be flavorful, aromatic, and potent, so you’ll have a great experience.

Ultimately, getting the desired effects and taste hinges on harvesting the plant at the right moment of ripeness. By observing and interpreting the cues given by both the plant and trichomes, you can ensure a successful harvest that enhances the quality and potency of your cannabis yield.

In essence, mastering the art of harvesting cannabis involves noting visual cues where trichomes and pistils act as invaluable signs of maturity. Equipped with a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe, you can closely track growth and color changes to get the best buds.