Cannabis harvest: the most anticipated moment of cultivation
After weeks of intensive care, the crucial moment you've been waiting for arrives: the harvest. This process involves not only cutting the plants, but also precisely observing the exact point of ripeness to do it at the right time. Harvesting should take place when the trichomes—those tiny resin glands that cover your flowers—reach their maximum concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, turning milky or amber in color.
For this purpose, the use of microscopes or magnifying glasses is recommended to allow for detailed analysis of the trichomes. Additionally, having tools such as sharp cutting shears, nitrile gloves to avoid contaminating the buds, and trays to facilitate work is essential for an efficient and clean harvest. Finally, drying the buds properly and storing them optimally will allow you to enjoy a high-quality product for months. Don't underestimate this important phase and enjoy perfectly preserved flowers at any time.
Cannabis trimming: preparing your buds for drying
Trimming is one of the most laborious tasks, but also one of the most rewarding. It involves removing the largest and smallest leaves, which usually contain a good amount of trichomes (called "sugar leaves") and surround the buds. This step improves the appearance, combustion, and final flavor of the product by removing plant debris that can contribute a harsh or bitter taste. It also allows you to obtain a good amount of material to process into spectacular resin extractions such as hashish, rosin, or BHO.
In this category, you'll find everything from professional fine-tipped scissors to electric or manual trimmers, ideal for those working with large quantities or in a hurry to complete the job. We also offer scissor cleaners, non-slip trays, and trichome collection nets, allowing you to maximize the leftover material for making hash or extracts. In short, here you have everything you need to leave your buds in perfect condition and ready for quick and efficient drying.
Cannabis drying: stability and patience
Once trimmed, the buds should be dried slowly in a controlled environment. This step is crucial to prevent mold growth and preserve delicate compounds like terpenes. Ideally, maintain a temperature between 18 and 22°C and a relative humidity of 50-60% in a dark, well-ventilated space.
At Alchimia Grow Shop, you'll find everything you need to ensure optimal drying: from hanging nets to facilitate air circulation to drying cabinets and dehumidifiers. These systems allow you to adjust environmental conditions and ensure a gradual loss of humidity, which improves the flavor and texture of your buds. This is one of those steps where rushing will negatively impact the quality of your flowers, so take it easy!
Once dried, the buds have not yet reached their full potential. Curing is a process that can take several weeks and stabilizes the cannabinoids and enhances the aromatic profiles. This process is carried out in airtight jars, preferably glass, which should be opened regularly to refresh the air and eliminate residual moisture.
There are specific products, such as humidity regulator sachets (Boveda, Integra Boost, etc.), that ensure an optimal level of 58-62%, ideal for keeping your marijuana in perfect conditions inside your airtight jars. You can also find wooden curing boxes, jars with digital humidity meters, or pocket humidifiers. Proper storage prevents the degradation of THC and terpenes and guarantees a pleasant experience even months after harvest. To put it mildly, a good curing process is the icing on the cake for your work of the past few months, offering you the opportunity to improve the quality of your buds over the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions about harvesting cannabis
When is the best time to harvest marijuana?
The ideal time to harvest depends on the state of the trichomes. When most of them are milky with some amber, it's a sign that the cannabinoids have reached their peak.
What do I need to properly dry my buds?
A dark, well-ventilated environment with a stable temperature (18-22°C) is essential. Drying nets, dehumidifiers, and dedicated cabinets help maintain optimal conditions.
Why is curing buds so important?
Curing reduces residual moisture and improves flavor, aroma, and potency. It also allows cannabis to preserve better for longer.
