When to Harvest Autoflowers

Deciding when to harvest your autoflowering cannabis plants is an important step in the growing process. Harvesting too early can result in lower yields and potency, while harvesting too late can cause the buds to become over-mature and less potent. So, when is the right time to harvest autoflowers?

In general, the best time to harvest autoflowers is when the plants are at peak maturity, which typically occurs around 8-10 weeks after germination. This is the point at which the plants have produced the maximum amount of buds and flowers, and the levels of THC and other cannabinoids are at their highest.

There are a few key signs that can help you determine when your autoflowers are ready to be harvested. One of the most obvious signs is the appearance of the buds and flowers. When the plants are at peak maturity, the buds will be dense and resinous, and the flowers will be covered with orange or brown hairs.

Another sign that your autoflowers are ready to be harvested is the trichomes, the tiny resin glands that cover the buds and flowers. When the plants are at peak maturity, the trichomes will be clear or milky white, and will have a sticky, resin-like texture.

In addition to these visual signs, you can also use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to get a closer look at the trichomes and determine when they are at their peak. When the trichomes are mostly clear with just a few streaks of milky white, this is a good indication that the plants are ready to be harvested.

In conclusion, the best time to harvest autoflowers is when the plants are at peak maturity, typically around 8-10 weeks after germination. This is the point at which the plants have produced the maximum amount of buds and flowers, and the levels of THC and other cannabinoids are at their highest. By looking for the visual signs and using a magnifying glass or loupe to examine the trichomes, you can determine when your autoflowers are ready to be harvested.