
An example of a small ratio of amber-colored trichomes on a leaf under a microscope. Photo by Seed Stockers.
The countdown to harvest is easily one of the most exciting times for a grower. Planning ahead and knowing the signs to look out for will pay off massively when it comes down to the flavor, aroma, yield, and smoking experience. The Emerald breaks down the best way to achieve cup-winning quality buds.
How Long Does a Harvested Plant Take to Dry?
The amount of time cannabis buds can take to dry will be dependent on the size and density of the buds. The drying room will also play a significant role in the length of time before buds are ready to be stored away in curing jars.
However, a time frame between seven to 12 days is often normal, according to RQS. There will be certain characteristics that a grower should pay close attention to before eagerly preparing to chop their crop down. This includes bract and calyx development, trichome production, and more.
Bract and Calyx Development
Cannabis flowers produce buds that are made up of bracts and calyxes. As plants mature, the more swollen and dense they become. The key to a successful harvest is learning how to identify the point when the bract and calyx are ripe and hold the most weight and resin.

Trichome Production
Trichomes contain all the essential oils, terpenes, and cannabinoids inside. Prolific trichome production is a good indication of maturity and ripeness. When a trichome is viewed at a microscopic level with handheld magnification tools, there will be three main stages of trichome development ranging from clear, to milky, to amber.
Clear trichome heads indicate the plants may not be ripe and may lack full potency. Milky and cloudy trichome heads are a sign that the plant is at the pinnacle of development and will provide the perfect balance of flavor and potency. Amber-colored trichomes are a sign that the plant is beyond ripe and offers a more narcotic and heavy-bodied effect when consumed.
There is no set rule for when trichomes should be harvested. It often comes down to the grower and their preferences regarding effect.
Terpenes
Terpenes are what make cannabis plants produce all those wonderful aromas. They give each cultivar its own unique identity and flavor. Cannabis terpenes can be fruity, floral, earthy, gassy, or sweet, or in most cases a mixture of each. During the final weeks of bud production, terpenes are at their most aromatic.
Pistil Color
The white hairs that the calyx produces will turn from a bright white to orange or brown. These hairs are referred to as pistils. When cannabis plants are ripe and mature, 60–80 % will become brown.
Harvesting based on pistil color is not the best way to determine the final harvest date. Yet, it is one of several factors, including those mentioned above, that may guide a grower to make their decision to harvest.
Preparing the Drying Room
Once a grower has made their decision to chop their plants down, it is time to prepare the drying room. A drying room should be a dark, temperature-controlled environment. Aiming for a consistent temperature of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit with relative humidity between 55%-65% will produce the best results, according to Leafly.
Grow tents are the perfect candidate to serve as the drying room to hang plants over a seven- 12-day period. That’s because they can house an extractor fan and carbon filter. But home growers should keep their dry room as discreet as possible to avoid pungent aromas that can alert close-by neighbors.
Trimming
When, after months of hard work and tender loving care, it is time to trim—growers have two options: dry or wet trimming.
Wet Trimming Cannabis Buds
- Fresh buds are meticulously trimmed with a clean and sharp pair of scissors.
- Wet trimming can be done immediately after plants have been chopped.
- The leaves that contain resin can also be placed into a freezer to make live resin extracts.
- Freshly trimmed flowers should be trimmed within 3–5 days for the optimal results.
- Once trimmed and cleaned up, the buds can be placed onto a dry net for up to 12 days.
Dry Trimming Cannabis Buds
- Buds are trimmed when the plant has been hung up and is dry and hard to touch.
- Dry trimming should be done over a sifting screen to save any fallen trichome heads.
- Carefully trimmed buds will be ready to smoke or used to make dry sift or extracts.
- Growers with many plants will find dry trimming to be more practical.
Preparing to Cure
Once the buds are dry and manicured, store them in a glass mason jar or plastic tub. Then, label the jars/tubs for easy identification. Once inside, the next step is to begin the curing process to enhance the flavor, aroma, and over time potency and effect. Curing cannabis buds may take between 14–56 days, or even longer depending on the grower’s preferences, according to Sensi Seeds.
With these tips in mind, any beginner grower will be off to a solid harvest.
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