Harvest Step by Step

Marijuana Horticulture

by Jorge Cervantes

Step 1

Stop fertilization seven to ten days prior to harvest. Latent nutrient accumulation in foliage imparts a fertilizer-like taste. Leach nutrients from the growing medium seven to ten days before harvest. Some growers continue to fertilize until three days before harvest if using a product such as Final Flush. Such products expedite flushing built up chemicals from cannabis plants.

Step 2

If sprays have been applied during the last week (not recommended), mist plants heavily to wash off undesirable residues that may have accumulated on foliage. The bath will not affect resin production. Gently jiggle buds after rinsing to shake off any standing water. To prevent fungus and bud blight, wash the garden early in the day to allow excess water on leaves to dry before nightfall. If bud mold (botrytis) is a threat, DO NOT wash buds.

Step 3

You may want to give plants 24 hours of total darkness before harvest. Many growers do this and say the buds are a little more resinous afterward.

Step 4

Harvest in the morning when THC content is at its peak. Harvest entire plant or one branch at a time by cutting near the base with pruners. Jerking the root ball creates a mess and is unnecessary. All of the THC is produced in the foliage, not in the roots.

Step 5

It is not necessary to hang plants upside down so all the resin drains int the foliage. Once formed, resin does not move. However, drying the entire plant by hanging it upside down is very convenient. When stems are left intact, drying is much slower.

Step 6

To harvest entire plants and/or branches: Remove large eaves one or two days before actually cutting the plants down. Or remove leaves after cutting plants. Harvesting large leaves early gets them out of the way and makes manicuring easier and faster.