best time to harvest?

[Soulman869]

i hope this doesnt seem like a stupid question, i've done my research, but i just wanted to make sure i got this right, this is my first grow. right now i have two plants, mohan ram, just starting their 7th week of flowering. the seedbank i bought from says to let them flower for 8 weeks. however recently on one of the other boards, someone said i should let them flower for at least 10 weeks. my question is, what is the surefire way for knowing when i should chop them? i know looking at the trichomes with a magnifying glass is one way, but is there anything else i should know? i dont wanna chop them too early, or too late. please someone help me out

 

[FreezerBoy]

You'll have to tell us. It's purely subjective. That you've selected an 8 week strain suggests that 10 weeks may be better for you. (8 weeks tend to Indica which tends to body stone which increases with amber trichs) Make note of trich color/opacity and date and chop one down. Do the other in two-four weeks. See if you note a difference and which you prefer.

First gardens are like first waffles. You get to throw them out without being laughed at because that's what the first one is for.

 

[sparkjumper]

When I know my plants ready for harvest I'll water it really good and chop the next day.The advantage of chopping a hydrated plant is it will take longer to dry and cure out giving it a smoother taste.On the other hand if you're in a hurry for some reason pick when dehydrated,I wouldn't suggest it though.And if you pick when fully hydrated make sure its hanging in 50% RH or lower humidity to prevent mold.

 

[rebo]

When the trichs start turning from cloudy to amber your plant is close to being finished. Once about 60% of the trichs are amber your plant is at it's peak and should be harvested. I flush my plants with plain water for the last 2 weeks (no nutes) .. I let mine go without water for the last few days, which speeds up the dry time and lets me start curing faster. The 2 week flush helps to keep any harshness out of the final product and gives a better flavor.
Here's a pic of a plant's trichs right before harvest.. The more amber trichs the more 'couchlocky' the smoke will be.. Be patient and let your plant change colors near the end and you'll be rewarded with a stonier and better quality smoke.

 

[SweetBOG]

Nice pic, rebo. Asking a 'when to harvest' question, you'll always get trich color advice. Honestly Soulman bro, spend the $10-$20 on a 30X loupe and always know when the girl is ripe... not only will you take control of the high you want and forever take the worrisome guesswork out of it, but it's also fun to watch that gorgeous trich forest grow up close. peace

 

[LolaGal]

Go to Radio Shack and get a pocket microscope for $15. It magnifies 400X.

Another cool trichome viewing toy is that Bionic Eye Toy available. It has a dealie where you can download your trichome pics to your computer! Then you can really get advice on your trichomes! The Toy is at WalMart, but much much cheaper on Amazon.

 

[FreezerBoy]

It's not that he can't expect to produce quality, it's what he defines as quality. Reb says couchlocky, stonier weed is better. I say couchlock is unsmokeable crap to be avoided at all costs. When speaking of our own grows, we're both right. Here, we're both wrong. At least until Soulman agrees with one of us.

The Bionic Eye is a PITA, cheap-assed toy but, at $20-$30, I'd recommend it. At the original $80, not so much. Amazon prices fluctuate so keep your eyes peeled. My RS scope does 60-100 and I never move in from 60. I suspect 30 would be perfect. I feel the wider the field (smaller number) the better, as you see more trichs at once.

 

[SweetBOG]

I love my 30X loupe. I can easily see clear vs. cloudy vs. amber trich tops. Moving to higher magnification would still be fun. 30X is enough IMO, but I wouldn't go smaller.

 

[gladysvjubb]

I use a 10X power loop and have no problem seeing the trichs. My plants look pretty fagged out when I harvest. Whew!!!

 

[Soulman869]

i have to say i'm more of a sativa type high guy, i like the real heady buzz