Everything you need to know about flowering stages through when to harvest.

[No Pain]

I came across this and it is very good information. It is based on an 8 week strain. However the information can be applied to longer flowering strains by watching and understanding what's going on with the plants. I hope It helps!

Cannabis Flowering Stages​

Embarking on the journey of cultivating cannabis is an exciting and rewarding experience. As you move from germination to the final harvest, it’s crucial to understand the various phases and requirements your plants will go through. In this article, we will take you through the week-by-week process of the cannabis flowering stages, providing insights into the nutrient requirements, physical changes, and important considerations once your plant starts flowering.

Transition Phase: The Stretch (Weeks 1-3)​

During the transition phase, which lasts approximately three weeks, your cannabis plants will undergo a significant growth spurt commonly known as “the stretch.” As they switch from the vegetative stage and begin entering the flowering phase, the plants will exhibit faster vertical growth, reaching for the light.
In this phase, your plants will require a balanced nutrient regimen that provides ample nitrogen (N) to support rapid growth. However, it’s important to gradually reduce the nitrogen levels as flowering progresses to prevent excessive vegetative growth and promote flower development.
The transition phase triggers a surge in the production of plant hormones such as auxins and gibberellins. These hormones stimulate stem elongation and promote the development of new flower sites. Reduced hours of light and lengthening nights can trigger this transition.

Week 1: The Stretch Begins​

As your cannabis plant starts the transition into the flowering stage, it begins preparing for sexual reproduction and senescence. During the first week, you will witness a significant increase in the size of the female plants’ sexual organs (pistil) marking the site of future buds and the beginning of the stretch.
You can identify these bud sites by the emergence of enlarged white pistils, found on female cannabis plants, that eventually develop into flowering marijuana buds. (Male plants have pollen sacs, this is a good time to make sure all your plants are female).
During this stage, it is essential to continue providing a balanced nutrient regimen, but with a slight adjustment. Increase the phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels to support healthy bud formation and encourage flower development. Maintaining the nitrogen (N) levels to support the rapid growth going on.
The transition into the flowering stage triggers the production of plant hormones that stimulate the elongation of stems and the formation of new bud sites. Keep a close eye on the plants as pistils become more prominent and enlarged, indicating the beginning of the bud formation process. The stretch, combined with the setting of bud sites, sets the stage for flowering weed in the following weeks.

Week 2: Bud Sites​

In the second week of the flowering cannabis stage, your plants will continue to devote their energy to the development of buds. This week is particularly significant as the stretch, which began in the previous week, reaches its peak. The stretch refers to the rapid vertical growth exhibited by the plants as they strive to maximize their exposure to light.
Maintaining a balanced nutrient profile is crucial during this stage. Increase the availability of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) to fuel the growth and expansion of the budding sites. Additionally, ensure an adequate supply of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) to prevent deficiencies that could hinder bud formation.
Growing buds will become more prominent, and the stretch reaches its maximum height during this week. It’s essential to ensure that your flowering plants have sufficient space to accommodate this growth spurt and prevent overcrowding.

Week 3: The Stretch Ends​

As your plants grow into the third week of the cannabis flowering stage, they enter a crucial phase of bud development. During this week, the focus remains on the expansion and maturation of the buds, marking the final stretch before the flowering process reaches its peak.
Maintaining a consistent nutrient regimen is vital during this stage. Continue providing the necessary nutrients, ensuring that phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels remain adequate for robust bud development. Monitor the availability of micronutrients to prevent any deficiencies that may hinder flower quality.
The plant will now focus its energy on the development and enlargement of the buds. You will witness a noticeable increase in bud size as they continue to fill out the spaces between the nodes. The buds become more compact and denser, showcasing their potential for a bountiful harvest.
The overall plant growth will begin to slow down as resources shift toward bud development. As your plants progress through this stage, ensure proper air circulation, as the dense foliage can increase humidity levels and potentially lead to issues such as mold or mildew. Pruning any excess fan leaves that obstruct airflow can help mitigate these risks.
We recommend doing thorough prune on day 20 to ensure airflow and reduce the risk of mold. This is a good time to check the underside of leaves for any pest pressure.
Making sure you have taken care of pests before dense buds will help reduce the risk of mold if spraying is necessary. Check out this class for a thorough overview of cannabis pest management.

The Bulk Phase: Weeks 4-5​

During weeks 4-5 of the flowering stage, your cannabis plants will enter a phase of rapid bud growth, where they begin to pack on significant weight. As the buds mature, they require a substantial amount of energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This increased energy demand necessitates higher levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) nutrients, commonly referred to as PK boosters.
To support the plant’s vigorous bud development and weight gain, it is essential to provide higher levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). These nutrients are vital for cellular processes and the production of energy-rich compounds needed for flower formation and resin production.
Phosphorus, though abundant in the soil, is often present in forms that are not readily accessible to plants. However, certain microbes possess the ability to uptake phosphorus. One such group of microbes produces enzymes called phosphatases, which break down organic phosphorus compounds into forms that plants can absorb. To avoid nutrient burn use phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms or prepare sprouted seed teas with barley which also contains high levels of phosphatases.

Week 4: Increased Nutrient Demands​

During the fourth week of the flowering stage, your cannabis plants continue their rapid bud development, resulting in significant weight gain. As the buds mature, their energy needs increase, requiring higher nutrient levels to support healthy growth. It is generally desirable to reduce nitrogen levels in the nutrient regimen. Lowering nitrogen helps prevent excessive vegetative growth and encourages the plant to prioritize bud development and flower production.
To meet the escalating demands of bud development, it is crucial to provide higher levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) nutrients, commonly referred to as PK boosters. These macronutrients play essential roles in cellular processes, energy production, and the synthesis of vital compounds needed for flower formation and resin production. Ensuring an appropriate PK ratio in your nutrient regimen will help fuel healthy bud growth and maximize yield potential.
Popular PK boosters, often used during the bulk stage of cannabis cultivation, include various nutrient supplements designed to provide elevated levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Some commonly used PK boosters include bloom enhancers, flower boosters, and specific phosphorus and potassium formulations. Additionally, consider applying beneficial additives like silica, fulvic acid, or compost to enhance nutrient uptake and overall plant health.

Week 5: Bud Expansion and Resin Production​

In the fifth week of the flowering stage, your cannabis plants continue their impressive bud development. The growing buds will expand in size and density, showcasing their potential for high-quality flower production. Additionally, resin production becomes more prominent, enriching the buds with cannabinoids and terpenes.
Maintain the increased levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) to support ongoing bud expansion and resin production. Alongside PK boosters, continue providing a balanced nutrient profile to meet the overall nutritional needs of your plants during this critical stage.
You’ll want to perform another pruning on day 40 to maintain proper airflow and physically remove any pests that may be hiding on the underside of the leaves. Never remove more than 30% of a plant’s total leaf biomass.

The Finishing Stage: Weeks 6-8​

During the finishing stage of cannabis cultivation, which encompasses weeks 6-8 of the flowering phase, your plants enter the final phase towards harvest. The maturation and ripening of the bud are what mark this phase.

Week 6: Bud Maturation​

In the sixth week of the finishing stage, the buds continue to mature and reach their peak potency. The dense colas develop a robust aroma, while the trichomes undergo further changes. Keep a close eye on the trichomes, as they transition from clear to cloudy, signaling the ripening of trichomes. White hairs or pistils will begin to darken.
Maintain elevated levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) to support the completion of bud development and resin build up.

Week 7: Nutrient Reduction​

During the seventh week of the finishing stage, your cannabis plants experience a shift in nutrient requirements as they approach harvest. At this stage, the plants begin to reduce their energy demands as they stop growing. It becomes essential to gradually reduce nutrient levels to avoid overfeeding and ensure a smoother, more flavorful product.
Pull back on all nutrients and consider finishing with enzyme teas to solubilize nutrients that are present within the soil allowing the plant to uptake what it wants and use up stored nutrients.
During this phase senescence begins and leaves may begin to change colors alongside their microscopic counterpart, the trichome. Watch your trichomes with a jeweler’s loupe to identify the transition from clear to cloudy to amber. More pistils will change color at this time.

Week 8: Harvest Preparation​

During the eighth and final week of the finishing stage is when you’ll typically reach peak trichome maturity. More trichomes become amber or brown, indicating a high level of cannabinoid synthesis. When trichomes are roughly 25-50% amber you will have a well-balanced cannabinoid content.
As the finishing stage progresses, maintain a vigilant approach to environmental conditions within your grow room, such as humidity and temperature, to minimize the risk of mold or mildew formation. Proper air circulation and monitoring of moisture levels are vital to ensure the health and integrity of the mature buds. By carefully observing the trichomes and preparing for harvest during these final weeks, you can achieve the desired characteristics and maximize the quality of your cannabis harvest.

Conclusion​

The week-by-week journey through the marijuana flowering stage is an exciting time for any cannabis cultivator. Understanding the specific needs and changes that occur during each week empowers growers to make informed decisions regarding nutrient requirements, physical responses, and environmental considerations. By following these guidelines, you can optimize the growth, development, and quality of your cannabis crop, leading to a rewarding and successful cultivation experience.
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Flowering: Over Ripe Buds and Under Ripe Buds​

After months of care and nurturing, the moment has finally arrived: it’s time to harvest your cannabis plant. But here’s the dilemma that every new cannabis grower faces—how do you know exactly when your plants are ready for harvest?
The answer lies in the delicate balance between patience and knowledge. As a grower, it’s crucial to understand not only the entire flowering process but also how to distinguish between over-ripe and under-ripe buds.
This knowledge ensures that you’ll reap the rewards of your hard work, harvesting at the right moment when your cannabis buds are at their peak in terms of potency and flavor. In this journey through the flowering stage, we’ll explore the telltale signs of ripeness, examine the differences between over-ripe and under-ripe buds, and give you with the insights to ensure a successful cannabis harvest.

Anatomy of a bud: pistils vs trichomes​

To gauge ripeness, you need to know the basic anatomy of a bud, specifically the pistils and trichomes. Picture pistils as the delicate “hairs” on the bud, while trichomes are the tiny, glistening crystals covering the surface.
These pistils, or hairs, curl inward and change in color as the bud matures, starting as white or light-pink and gradually transitioning to darker hues, such as orange or amber. When the pistils have darkened, it’s a sign that the bud is approaching ripeness.
On the other hand, trichomes are microscopic resin glands that cover the entire surface of cannabis flowers. These resin glands contain the cannabinoids and terpenes that give cannabis its unique effects and flavors. When it comes to trichomes, you’ll want to pay close attention to their color and clarity.
Understanding the interplay between pistils and trichomes is necessary o gauging bud ripeness accurately. While pistils provide a visible sign, trichomes offer a more precise measure of cannabinoid maturity. As you continue to read, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how these signs work together to determine the ideal harvest time.

How to identify over-ripe buds​

Over-ripe buds represent a stage of cannabis maturity that’s often less desirable for most growers. One clear indicator of overripe buds is the darkening of both pistils and trichomes. Overripe cannabis buds will have less psychoactive properties, or less THC because THC begins to degrade in the presence of oxygen and light. THC begins to turn into CBN as it degrades.
You can determine if your buds are over-ripe by looking at both the trichomes and pistils’ color. The plant will begin to look sun faded and brown. Looking the vibrant appearance it had at the peak of ripeness.

Over-ripe trichomes​

To get a clear picture of the trichomes on your cannabis plant you will need a handheld magnifier, either a digital microscope or jeweler’s loupe will work. Under magnification you will notice the trichomes covering the buds will all turn amber and brown, signaling a significant change in the chemical composition.
At this point, the THC, the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, begins to degrade into CBN (cannabinol). This transformation not only reduces the potency of the bud but also alters its appearance, making the entire bud look brownish. Over-ripe buds can result in a less enjoyable and less potent cannabis experience, so growers need to monitor their plants closely to avoid reaching this stage.

Over-ripe pistils​

Like trichomes, over-ripe pistils will turn darker in color and become brittle which can result in a harsh smoke. The pistils, which were once vibrant and often white or light-colored, will have all turned brown. Once ALL the pistils have changed colors and there are no longer any white hairs your cannabis bud has probably become over-ripe.

Is an over-ripe bud worth harvesting?​

The question of whether to harvest over-ripe buds is a tuff one, and the answer depends on individual circumstances and preferences. If you wait too long to harvest you may have lost some of the THC and psychoactive potency, but they still hold medicinal value.
Over-ripe cannabis tends to contain higher levels of CBN (cannabinol), a cannabinoid with its own set of narcotic properties. CBN is known for its potential to promote relaxation, relieve pain, and sleep aid. For individuals seeking relief from insomnia, muscle spasms, or chronic pain, CBN-rich cannabis products can be beneficial. CBN has shown promise in reducing inflammation and acting as an appetite stimulant, making it a potential treatment for various health conditions.
So, while you may not want to smoke over-ripe buds, they can still offer valuable medicinal benefits in both edible and tincture forms.

How to identify under-ripe buds​

Now that we’ve covered over-ripe buds, let’s shift our attention to under-ripe buds. These are buds that haven’t reached their full potential and are harvested prematurely. Understanding the signs of under-ripeness is essential for achieving the best possible quality in your cannabis harvest.
One of the most telling signs of under-ripeness is the color of both the trichomes and pistils.

Under-ripe trichomes​

In under-ripe buds, trichomes often appear clear or remain mostly translucent, lacking the cloudy or amber hue that indicates maturity. This signifies that the cannabinoids and terpenes within these resin glands have not fully matured.

Under-ripe pistils​

Simultaneously, the pistils, which are typically white or light-colored in early stages, will have only undergone minimal color change, failing to turn darker or curl inwards.

What happens when you harvest too early?​

When buds are harvested prematurely, the full spectrum of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, may not have had a chance to fully develop. Instead, you may find higher levels of CBG (cannabigerol), a precursor cannabinoid with milder effects compared to THC. Additionally, terpenes, the aromatic compounds responsible for the diverse flavors and aromas of cannabis, may not have fully matured, leading to a less complex and less aromatic product.
When it comes to under-ripe buds, trichomes can provide valuable insights. As mentioned earlier, trichomes go through stages of development, from clear to milky-white to amber. When trichomes remain mostly clear or have just begun to turn cloudy, it’s a sign that the buds are not yet ripe.

Optimal Ripeness​

Now that you know how to determine under-ripe and over-ripe buds you can decide what a ripe cannabis bud means to you. Harvesting at the right time will vary depending on the cannabis strain you are growing and what type of high you are looking for from it.
If you are looking for a lighter and uplifting active high, you will harvest when less than 25% of the trichomes have turned amber and there is more THC-A present. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more sedative couch locked high you will want to harvest when there is more than 50% amber trichomes.
Keep in mind that the effects are further influenced by the presence of terpenes, which are linked to sativa and indica strains. This phenomenon is referred to as the “entourage effect,” and it’s worth exploring, as a consumer and a cultivator. Maintaining strain-specific notes and observing variations during consumption will be your key to discovering the ideal ripeness for each strain in your arsenal.

How to Harvest Cannabis at the Perfect Time​

Understanding key components such as the bud, stem, node, and fan leaf is fundamental to determining the right time for harvesting cannabis.

• Bud: The bud, also known as the flower, is the part of the cannabis plant that is richest in cannabinoids and terpenes. This is the section that is harvested for smoking or extraction, as it contains the compounds responsible for the plant’s effects and flavors.
• Stem: The stem acts as the plant’s main structural component, supporting both the leaves and the buds. While not particularly rich in cannabinoids, the stem is vital for transporting nutrients and water throughout the plant.
• Node: Nodes are the points on the stem where branches and leaves emerge. These critical junctures can be important indicators of the plant’s overall health and maturity. Nodes are also where growers can take cuttings for cloning.
• Fan Leaf: Fan leaves are the large, iconic leaves of the cannabis plant that are primarily responsible for capturing sunlight and converting it into energy for the plant. These leaves are generally low in cannabinoids but are crucial for the plant’s growth and development.

Timing your harvest​

Determining when to harvest cannabis involves a variety of methods that can range from simply observing visual cues to more sophisticated techniques. Using the breeder’s recommended flowering days is a great start but depending on your growing conditions strains may finish sooner or later than the suggested time.
Depending on the strain and how much sativa or indica is present will change the flowering period and when the plant matures. Sativa strains can take up to 16 weeks to flower. While indica plants can finish as soon as 6 weeks.
Where the strains are grown, indoors, versus outdoors can also affect when to harvest marijuana. Local weather and pests can force a early harvest outdoors vs controlled environment indoors. Regardless of how they are grown, you can use a variety of visual cues to determine the perfect time to harvest.
By looking at the fan leaves, pistils, and trichomes you can learn how to harvest weed at the perfect time.

Fan Leaves​

Although more pronounced outdoors than indoors, fan leaves will start to change color as your plant nears the end of its life cycle. While the change is less dramatic in indoor settings, the color shift in leaves can serve as an easy, albeit less reliable, indicator of crop maturity.
Leaves can change color for a variety of reasons other than senescence, such as nutrient lockout or watering issues, so it’s generally better to focus on the pistils and trichomes when determining the ideal time to harvest.

Pistils (white hairs)​

Like fan leaves, pistils also undergo color changes as the plant matures. These hair-like structures on your buds evolve significantly over your plant’s lifecycle, from initial sprouting at the nodes to covering immature buds in bright white strands that reach outward.
As they mature, these pistils will change color, curl inward, and become brittle and dry. For determining peak ripeness, it’s advisable not to rely solely on pistils; some white hairs should still be present on the cannabis buds at the time of harvest. For a comprehensive understanding of ripeness and optimal harvest timing, it’s best to also examine the trichomes.

Trichomes​

The resin glands covering your buds are called trichomes and they begin as clear nodules, eventually transitioning to a milky or white color, and finally turning amber. As the color shifts, so do the types of cannabinoids present. The more amber trichomes you see, the more CBN (Cannabinol) will be present. CBN is a degraded form of THC and is known for inducing a heavy, couch-lock type of high. It’s especially beneficial for medicinal purposes, including cancer treatment, chronic pain relief, and appetite stimulation.
Growers have varying opinions on the ideal ratio of white to milky trichomes. A good rule of thumb is to look for between 10-25% amber-colored trichomes for optimal harvest timing. To accurately observe these changes, you’ll need handheld magnification, such as a magnifying glass or digital microscope.

Harvesting under External Circumstances​

Sometimes when to harvest marijuana is out of our control, and we must adapt to outside pressures. Factors like bud rot, unexpected snowfall, landlord visits, or unplanned moves can force you to harvest your cannabis plants early or late. Fortunately, there are ways to maximize your yield and quality regardless of the timing.
If you find yourself needing to harvest weed early, one option is to convert your entire crop into bubble hash. This can be particularly useful if you must quickly remove your plants.
How to harvest marijuana for bubble hash varies from traditional harvesting methods. First you remove all the fan leaves, trim the buds from the stems, and then place them in freezer bags to freeze immediately. This not only clears your space but also eliminates the 7-10 day drying period typically needed for harvested buds.
Alternatively, harvesting marijuana too late comes with its own set of challenges, including the degradation of THC potency and the alteration of flavor and aroma. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal can diminish if buds oxidize to the point of turning brown. In such instances, you might opt to either consume the less potent flower as-is or convert it into ethanol extracts or infusions for edibles. Due to potential oxidation, the smoke could be harsher, making edibles a more favorable method of consumption in this case.

How to cut down a marijuana plant​

1. Start at the Top: Begin by cutting the top buds of your cannabis plant. Make sure to cut just below a node; this makes it easier to hang your branches later. “Cut Hangers”
2. Use the Stem: Utilize the stem as a makeshift hook for hanging on a drying rack. Drying racks can be DIY setups made from trellising, hangers, rolling racks, or construction string hung up across a room.
3. Maintain Branch Length: Try to keep the lengths of the branches you cut similar. This will result in a more consistent and even drying time. Note that thicker stems will take longer to dry than thinner ones.
4. Check Lower Buds: After harvesting the top large buds, re-examine the lower buds to determine if they should also be harvested or allowed to mature longer. Performing this two-step marijuana harvest can potentially increase both yield and overall quality.

Wet trimming vs dry trimming​

During the marijuana harvesting phase, you may choose to remove the fan leaves from your plant before it dries, a technique known as wet trimming. Opting for wet trimming can offer distinct advantages, particularly if you plan to use your trimmings for infusions or extractions. Fan leaves are low in cannabinoids and resin, which means they can dilute the quality of your extracts or infusions by contributing unnecessary plant material and an undesirable hay-like flavor.
If you don’t intend to use the trimmings for anything specific, you might consider leaving the fan leaves on the plant and opting for dry trimming later. Keeping the fan leaves intact provides a protective layer for the trichomes and the buds during the curing process.

Cannabis harvest tips and trick​

One important suggestion is to harvest marijuana during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. This helps to preserve the sensitive terpenes that contribute to the plant’s aroma and medicinal properties. It will also aid in keeping things cleaner as hash accumulates easily on hands and tools during the heat of the day.
Cutting down the plant in sections, rather than all at once, can offer a more manageable approach and provide a chance to evaluate when the lower buds are ready.
Once you’ve harvested, it’s crucial to move the cut branches into a dark, climate-controlled drying room as quickly as possible. The quick transition helps minimize the degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes, preserving the potency and flavor profile of your cannabis.

6 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Harvesting Weed​

What does weed look like when harvesting?​

When it’s time to harvest, the buds of the weed plant will be big and dense. You’ll see more darker-colored hairs (pistils) and less white hairs on the buds .

What do ripe trichomes look like?​

Trichomes look like mushrooms shaped crystals dusting the buds and some of the smaller leaves. When you look at them under a microscope they look like stalks with round bulbous heads on the ends. As the ripen the will move from clear to milky in color.

Should you harvest when you see milky trichomes?​

Yes, when you see that the majority of trichomes are milky this is an indicator your plant has matured, and your cannabis is ready to be harvested.

What’s the best way cannabis harvest method?​

Harvesting in sections to ensure all your buds have fully matured is the best way to ensure an optimal harvest from yield to quality. Different strains will mature from the top down or the bottom up.

How long should I stop watering before harvesting?​

Stop watering 1-2 days before harvesting. Depending on local conditions. It’s important not to let your plant wilt before harvest.

What happens if you don’t flush weed before harvesting?​

If you don’t flush, nutrients such as nitrogen can build up in the plant. This can make the smoke harsh and affect the taste. Plants grown in organic soil tend not to require flushing to produce quality smoke vs plants grown in hydroponic substrates with synthetic nutrients.

 

[Phytoplankton]

Very nice, I agree with most everything except the very last paragraph. Plants don't know the difference between organic and synthetic nutes, they're exactly the same, only the delivery system (chelated vs microbic) is different.

 

[No Pain]

This Information came from a well know breeder. In regards to the Flush I feel that they made that statement as in Hydroponics with the correct ph all nutrients are available and for example if you feed it nitrogen on the last day it will uptake it and in organic it has to be broken down to be given to the plant ..unless you are growing in soil and feeding it Synthethic nutrients, but then it wouldn't be considered organic.

 

[Phytoplankton]

The nitrogen will break down during the curing process. IMHO, most of the “harsh smoke” complaints are not from nutes, but from a bad cure.

Edit: Perfect example is tobacco, if you've ever smoked uncured tobacco, it's harsh and nasty!!!!!

 

[Ke0ncp]

This is great. Thank you for posting!

 

[No Pain]

The nitrogen will break down during the curing process. IMHO, most of the “harsh smoke” complaints are not from nutes, but from a bad cure.

Edit: Perfect example is tobacco, if you've ever smoked uncured tobacco, it's harsh and nasty!!!!!

I don't disagree that a good cure doesn't positively the smoothness of a smoke. herb that is packed with fertilizers burns different than one where the greater majority has been leached out. Thats why people pay attention to the color and texture of the ash. white/off gray and fluffy equates to a good leaching and dark and somewhat chunky / clumpy is one with to much fertilizer still left in the product.

In this day and age I feel that 90% or more people flush in the last week regardless of growing media, so its kind of a mute point. But good knowledge none the less.

 

[Roy Growin]

I pretty much agree with all of it, moot points n all
Very good read OP