When do you harvest the plants?

[bif]

I live in the Detroit area. Some of my plants have gotten so tall they're leaning way over and I think I have to stake them. How do you know when to harvest them?

[MayReasonRule]

1. Trichome Color Tells You Pretty Much Everything... You Can Also Get A Brix Tester To Further Optimize High GradeHarvest

Trichome color is the most direct indicator of harvest readiness, signaling the optimal potency and effect profile
.
Brix level, which measures the sugar content in a plant's sap, is a general indicator of overall plant health that is not used to determine harvest timing.

Trichome color and harvest timing
Trichomes are the tiny, mushroom-shaped resin glands that cover cannabis buds and produce cannabinoids and terpenes. Their color change is a crucial visual cue for growers to determine the best time to harvest, depending on the desired outcome.

Clear trichomes

Appearance: Transparent and glassy.
Readiness: Too early for harvest. Cannabinoids and terpenes are not fully developed, so potency is low.
Effect: Harvesting at this stage typically produces a low-potency, more energetic, or "heady" high that can feel racy or anxious.

Cloudy or milky trichomes

Appearance: Opaque and milky white.
Readiness: Peak harvest time for maximum potency. THC levels are at their highest and the terpene profile is fully developed.
Effect: Provides the strongest and most psychoactive experience. This is the ideal harvest time for most growers seeking a potent, well-rounded high.

Amber trichomes

Appearance: The cloudy trichomes turn a golden or amber color.
Readiness: Later harvest. As trichomes turn amber, THC begins to degrade into cannabinol (CBN).
Effect: Increases the sedative, relaxing, and "couch-lock" effects. A later harvest is often preferred for medicinal users or those seeking a heavy, body-focused high.

Harvesting strategy
Most growers aim for a mix of cloudy and amber trichomes, often harvesting when the ratio is 70% cloudy to 30% amber, to achieve a balance of potency and relaxation.

Brix level and plant health

Brix is a measurement of the total dissolved solids, primarily sugar, in a plant's sap. It is measured with a refractometer using a drop of sap from a leaf.

Brix's role: A high Brix level (above 12%) is a sign of a healthy, vigorous plant with an efficient metabolism and strong immune system. This makes the plant more resistant to pests and disease.

Indicator of problems: Low Brix levels (below 12%) can indicate an underlying issue with nutrition, lighting, or watering.

No link to harvest timing: While high Brix is desirable throughout the plant's life, it does not directly correlate with the color of the trichomes or indicate harvest readiness. It is a health metric, not a maturity metric.

Indirect effects: A healthy plant with a consistently high Brix level is more likely to reach its genetic potential for cannabinoid and terpene production, which ultimately impacts the quality of the final harvest.

[twodogsbarking]

5. Thanks for the post. Isn't science wonderful.

[JoseBalow]

9. This is the correct answer

I use a little pocket microscope, has a built-in push-button light, to inspect the trichomes. When they're mostly cloudy, it's time.

I bought it through Amazon years ago for like $20, and it works great!

[bif]

10. The hairs are just beginning to turn brown

So I'll probably give them another week or so.

[WhiteTara]

2. tke a magnifying glass and look closely at

the little white tricomes and when they are beginning to turn brown up to about half of them brown is optimum. There is no benefit from letting them go completely brown as you will then lose the thc. Too clear, too soon, but better too soon than too late. Enjoy. You might read up on the process at the I Love Growing Marijuana website. They have all the info with pictures. They also have fab seeds.

[twodogsbarking]

4. For sure. Don't wait too long to harvest.

[Faux pas]

3. When I pick

them up at the dispensary

[mountain grammy]

8. I used to grow

now I just go to the store!

[Faux pas]

11. I admire the hell

out of anyone who can grow anything! I have 2 black thumbs plus I'm clueless.

[mountain grammy]

13. We had beautiful buds..

lot's of work. If I could ever find a seed in what I buy at the dispensary I'd plant it..just for fun!

[Faux pas]

14. Lol

why not huh?

[rubbersole]

6. I harvest mine when I run out. 😘

[twodogsbarking]

7. When there is a cop car in the driveway.

[Faux pas]

12. Lol

they probably just want to share