Legal marijuana is now available in many provinces across Australia, and with each new state that legalizes cannabis, the demand for the plant grows.
While it might be tempting to start harvesting marijuana plants as soon as they’re tall enough to see their leaves, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you do.
When to Harvest Marijuana in Australia:
When should you harvest marijuana?
Marijuana should be harvested when the flowers closest to the ground begin to turn a brown or black color.
This is usually around the time that the buds are at their peak potency, so be sure to check the quality of your cannabis before harvesting.
Factors that Influence Harvest Time
When to harvest marijuana has a lot to do with the type of grower you are, their growing method, and the strain they are cultivating.
However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed to help determine when the time is right for harvesting.
First and foremost, you have to consider the strain of marijuana being grown. Some strains are traditionally harvested at different times than others.
For example, indicas are generally considered ready for harvest around 8-10 weeks after planting, while sativas can take 12-16 weeks.
Finally, it is important to understand your grower’s cultivation method.
Some growers like to leave their plants whole and harvest them all at once, while others will start pulling leaves one by one as they get closer to harvest.
Once you have a good idea of when your plant is expected to reach maturity, it is important to monitor the plants closely.
Look for changes in color and shape, as well as small differences in leaf size or density.
If everything looks good according to plan, then it is time to start harvesting!
Tips for Harvesting Marijuana
Harvesting marijuana is a delicate process that requires knowledge and practice. Follow these tips for success:
- Start by checking the buds for obvious signs of dryness or browning. If the buds are dry, it is time to harvest them. If the buds are starting to turn brown, it is still safe to harvest them, but wait until they reach a darker color before doing so.
- Once you’ve determined that the buds are dry or starting to brown, use a sharp pair of scissors to clip off the desired amount of buds. Be sure not to cut into the stem!
- Place the bud clusters in an airtight container or bag and store them in a cool, dark place until you are ready to smoke them.
Harvesting marijuana based on flowering time
Harvesting marijuana based on flowering time is an important consideration for growers.
The various stages of growth and development in a cannabis plant create different levels of THC and CBD concentrations in the final product.
Knowing when to harvest allows growers to maximize the potency and therapeutic effects of their crop.
Flowering time is determined by a variety of factors including the strain, growing environment, and Lighting Schedule.
The below chart provides a general guideline for different strains, but please consult your local marijuana grower for specific advice.
Strain Flowering Time
- Sativa 12-16 weeks
- Indica 10-12 weeks
- CBD dominant strains may take longer due to higher CBD content
- Ruderalis No detectable flowering stage
The most important factor in determining when to harvest is always quality over quantity. While yields will be lower during early flower stages, the quality of the final product will be better because the plants are more mature and have had more time to develop cannabinoids.
Harvesting based on pistils
Marijuana is typically harvested based on the pistils.
This means that the buds that have the most THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana) are harvested first.
These buds are then dried and cured, which produces the most potent form of marijuana.
Harvesting based on resin
When it comes to harvesting marijuana, there are a few important things to keep in mind. The first is that you should harvest the buds as close to the end of flowering as possible.
This will allow the plants to produce the most resin, which is what provides the psychoactive effects of marijuana.
Secondly, it’s important to remember that marijuana plants grow rapidly during their early stages, so be sure to do your harvesting regularly in order to avoid overharvesting. And finally, don’t forget to Label Your Harvest!
When does the quality decrease?
When does the quality decrease?
The quality of marijuana decreases as it nears the end of its life.
When does the THC content decrease?
The THC content will also decrease, and eventually the plant will be unusable.
When should you discard marijuana?
You should discard marijuana when these signs are present: browning and dryness of the buds, a strong ammonia smell, or a distinct chemical smell.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article on when to harvest marijuana has helped you make a decision about when is the best time to harvest your cannabis.
Harvesting marijuana at the wrong time can result in lower yields and less cannabinoids, while harvesting too early can cause damage to your plants.
By following these tips, you should be able to ensure that you are harvesting your cannabis at the right time and getting the most out of it.