Harvesting and curing are two of the most critical steps in growing cannabis. Properly executed, they ensure your hard work results in flavorful, potent buds with the right balance of aroma, texture, and potency. This guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on when and how to harvest your cannabis plants and how to cure them for optimal quality.


When to Harvest Cannabis Plants

Timing your harvest is crucial to achieving the best cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Harvesting too early can result in underdeveloped buds with lower potency, while harvesting too late can lead to degraded THC and a heavier, sedative effect.

Signs Your Cannabis is Ready for Harvest

  1. Trichome Color
    • Inspect the resin glands (trichomes) on the buds using a magnifying glass or microscope.
    • Clear trichomes: The plant isn’t ready yet.
    • Milky/cloudy trichomes: THC is at its peak, and the plant is ready for harvest.
    • Amber trichomes: THC begins to degrade into CBN, leading to a more sedative effect. Harvest when there’s a mix of 70% cloudy and 30% amber trichomes for a balanced high.
  2. Pistil Color
    • The pistils (hairs) on the buds change color as they mature.
    • When 70–90% of the pistils turn dark orange or brown and curl inward, it’s usually time to harvest.
  3. Fan Leaves
    • Fan leaves may start yellowing as the plant focuses its energy on the buds.

 

flush plants


Preparing for Harvest

  1. Stop Feeding Nutrients: Flush your plants with plain water 1–2 weeks before harvest to remove excess nutrients from the soil. This improves the flavor and smoothness of the buds.
  2. Choose the Right Time of Day: Harvest in the early morning or just before the lights come on for indoor plants. THC levels are highest at this time.
  3. Gather Tools: You’ll need sharp pruning scissors, gloves, drying racks, and containers for trimmed buds.

How to Harvest Cannabis Plants

Harvesting involves cutting the plant and separating the buds from the branches. This process can be done in stages for larger grows or all at once for smaller operations.

Step 1: Cut the Plant

  • Using sharp pruning shears, cut the main stem at the base.
  • For large plants, you can remove individual branches to make handling easier.

Step 2: Trim the Buds

  • There are two methods: wet trimming and dry trimming.
    • Wet Trimming: Remove fan leaves and sugar leaves immediately after harvest. This method speeds up drying but can be sticky and labor-intensive.
    • Dry Trimming: Hang the plant or branches upside down to dry first, then remove the leaves once they’ve shrunk. This method preserves more terpenes but requires extra drying space.
  • Use precision scissors to trim sugar leaves (small, resin-coated leaves around the buds). Leave a small amount of resinous material if desired, but aim for a neat appearance.

 

drying cannabis

Washing line with drying weed plants at attic. These cannabis or marijuana plants must be dry before they can be used for oil as a medicine.


Drying Your Cannabis

Proper drying is essential to preserve cannabinoids and terpenes while preventing mold growth.

Step 1: Choose a Drying Space

  • Select a dark, well-ventilated area with a temperature of 60–70°F (15–21°C) and humidity of 50–60%.
  • Use a fan for air circulation, but avoid blowing directly onto the buds.

Step 2: Hang or Lay Out the Buds

  • Hanging Method: Hang whole branches or individual buds upside down using strings or hangers.
  • Rack Method: Place trimmed buds on a mesh drying rack for even airflow.

Step 3: Monitor Progress

  • Drying takes 7–10 days. The buds are ready when the small stems snap instead of bending, and the buds feel dry on the outside but not brittle.

Curing Your Cannabis

Curing enhances the flavor, potency, and smoothness of your cannabis. It also reduces chlorophyll, which can cause a harsh taste if not removed properly.

Step 1: Prepare Containers

  • Use airtight glass jars with wide openings for curing. Plastic containers or bags can negatively affect the flavor and may not provide the necessary seal.

Step 2: Fill the Jars

  • Place dried buds loosely in the jars, filling them about 75% full to allow for airflow. Do not pack them tightly.

Step 3: Store the Jars

  • Store jars in a dark, cool environment (60–70°F or 15–21°C) with humidity levels around 58–62%. Use humidity packs to maintain consistent moisture levels if needed.

Step 4: Burp the Jars

  • For the first week, open the jars for 10–15 minutes daily to release excess moisture and allow fresh air in.
  • After the first week, reduce burping to once every few days for the next 2–3 weeks.

How Long to Cure?

  • Curing for 2–4 weeks results in noticeable improvements in flavor and smoothness.
  • Curing for 4–8 weeks or longer yields premium-quality buds with enhanced potency and terpene profiles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Rushing the Process: Skipping or rushing drying and curing leads to harsh, low-quality buds.
  2. Overpacking Jars: Crowded jars can trap moisture and promote mold growth.
  3. Neglecting Humidity Levels: Too high or too low humidity during curing can spoil your harvest.

Final Thoughts

Harvesting and curing cannabis plants are both art and science. These processes require patience and attention to detail, but the payoff is well worth it. Properly dried and cured cannabis not only enhances flavor and potency but also ensures a smooth smoking or vaping experience. By following this guide, you’ll preserve the hard work you’ve invested in growing your plants and enjoy top-quality cannabis with every use.

Happy harvesting! 🌱✨