The marijuana harvest is an exciting moment, but it is not the end of the road to get a quality herb. After the harvest, it is necessary to spend time and effort to obtain hard and tasty buttles.
First, you will have to carry out the manicured process, which consists of removing the leftover leaves to obtain cleaner and more attractive buds visually. Then, it is necessary to dry the buds in a cool and dry place to eliminate the remaining moisture.
After drying the buds, the curing process comes, which is essential to obtain a soft and tasty smoke. This process involves storing dry buds in a hermetic container for several weeks, opening it regularly to allow air to circulate and to release the remaining moisture.
1. Yellow leaves
If you have noticed that the fan leaves of your marijuana plants are yellowish, do not worry too much. Although yellow leaves can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies or health problems, it is normal for this to occur during the final phase of flowering. The fan leaves are the large and wide leaves that are developed during the vegetative phase and that are responsible for photosynthesis. When the plant approaches the harvest, these leaves can start yellowing and falling. This is because the plant is channeling its energy towards flowers to produce a greater amount of resin
2. The trichomes
The trichomas are the small mushroom -shaped glands that produce the viscous resin in marijuana. These substances protect the plant in nature, but for growers, they are the main reason to plant marijuana. Monitoring trichomes is a precise way to detect if your flowers are reaching full maturity, Keep in mind that when the trichoma has an amber color it is time to harvest
3. The calices fattening
The chalice is an important part of the cannabis flower, since it is the first to sprout from the knot and houses the reproductive organs. Its main function is to offer structural support to the buds, preventing them from torn by strong winds or attacked by predators. As the buds ripe, the calices swell to contain the seeds in the event that the plant is pollinated. If you want to be aware of the size of your buds, do not hesitate to observe the calices with a magnifying glass routinely. So you can enjoy a successful harvest!
4. The pistils have a darker color
The pistils are the cannabis flowers antennas These small pelillos are responsible for fertilization and seed production. However, if what you are looking for are seedless and high quality buds, it is best to avoid pollination. But pistils are also useful to determine the maturity of flowers. If the pistils are still white, the flower is young. As mature flor, the pistils are getting dark and acquiring orange and brown tones. In fact, when about 70% of the pistils have changed color, THC production is expected to reach its maximum level. But be careful! Do not trust these figures too much, since they are approaches and each plant is unique.
4. Time to manufacture your flowers
Time to get to work with the manicured, it is an important step to leave your shielding and free of sugar leaves. But don't worry, it's nothing complicated! You just need a table, a tray, latex gloves and scissors.
You have two options to manufacture your buds: before or after drying. If you opt for the first, you must do it just after reaping, while the flowers are still wet. Thus you make sure to eliminate sugar leaves and prevent the mold from forming during drying. Of course, keep in mind that it can be a very sticky job, don't forget your gloves! And if you have a resin stuck in the scissors, do not waste it, take the opportunity to do some hashish!
If you prefer manicured after drying, you can enjoy more compact butter, a delight for cultivators! But remember, the task is the same: cut the sugar leaves while the buds are still united to the branch or cut the button of the branches and manicure them separately. Do not forget to save your sugar leaves for future concentrates! Ready! You are already prepared to manufacture your buds as a true professional.
5. Dry your buds
Time to dry those beautiful flowers. The drying process is crucial to ensure that your harvest does not spoil and that you can enjoy tasty and easy smoking buttles. So be sure to have adequate space for drying and control the temperature and humidity to achieve the best results.
Remember that drying cannabis slowly is the key to obtaining good quality. Don't hurry! Patience is essential in this step. Be sure to control moisture and temperature with a hygrometer, and if you need to adjust them, use fans, air conditioning, heating or humidifiers. Do what is necessary to maintain your happy and healthy buds!
During the drying process, it is important to be attentive to your buds. Look how they change day by day and touch the flowers to check their humidity level. You will know that they are ready when you try to fold the branches and they break instead of bending. That is a sign that it is time to advance to the next step and enjoy the fruit of your work!
6. Heals your marijuana to have more softness
Cure is very important, since it helps eliminate the remaining moisture of the buds and, at the same time, decomposes the molecules that produce a rough and unpleasant smoke. In addition, the cure gradually increases THC levels, which translates into a more powerful harvest. To cure your buds, you will need glass jars with airtight closure. Fill the jars with your buds to approximately 75% of their capacity, without tightening them. Close the jars and guide them in a cool and dark place. During the first week, it is important that you open the jars several times a day for a few minutes, to allow the remaining moisture to escape. During the second and third week, you can open the jars only once a day, since the moisture of the buds will have lowered significantly. After three weeks, your flowers will be ready to be smoked, with optimal flavor and effect. If you are a patient grower, you can extend the curing process for up to eight weeks to maximize the taste and power of your buds. Remember that if you plan to save your buds for a long period of time, you can cure them for more than six months without damaging the product. So do not hesitate to cure your buds and enjoy the best experience when smoking!