Are buds ready to harvest

i have a seven month old plant - strain holland hope. i don’t know when it started flowering for sure. my notes show i started fert. with shultze fert. on 8/12/16. i now have what i would consider to be small buds (about diameter from a nickel to a quarter and average length of 1 to 2 inches.). there appears to be very little amber/brown pistils; no white pistils. the leaves look green and healthy and have an appearance of being covered with dust or, very small white crystals. the buds feel “crunchy” on the outside but, spongy when i squeeze them. i can’t make out if there are trichomes using my mag. glass.
so, i’m trying to decide if the buds are ready for harvest. i’ve attached some pics - the best i think i can do with my cell phone.
so, is it harvest time or should i wait. if wait, what should i look for to determine harvest time.

I am a newbie so take what I say with a grain of salt!!
You said 7 months old but I’m hoping you meant 7 weeks!
I went to 12/12 when my plants started to flower on their own,
I then figured on 65 days since that is what was indicated as flowering time.
I bought a hand held microscope which I think is almost a requirement cause you can really get a good look at what is going on. Well my 65 days was up almost two weeks ago and I still have very few amber trichomes. In addition, right at the end of my 65 days the buds started growing a ton of more buds. I call them warts cause they are small clusters of buds sticking out from the initial buds that were relatively symmetrical. My buds are significantly bigger now that the “warts” have started and they just keep getting bigger and bigger! I have read a ton about harvesting and think the concensus is that first time growers cut too early. I have wanted to call them done now for two weeks but each time I check them they are bigger, have more “warts” and are getting alot more trichomes. Based on your description of the size of your buds I would say be patient, get a handheld microscope and monitor your trichomes. After a lot of research I have determined I will turn off the lights when I see 20% amber trichomes. I will leave the lights off for two day before a cut and hang them. Hope this helps some. Good luck and keep us posted.

2 Likes

hard to tell without a real close up but based on what you have said and what I can see… my best guess is that you still have three to four weeks before harvest time.
the “small white crystals” are your trichomes… you may need a better magnifier so you can get a solid look at them

1 Like

thanks so much for your advise. sounds like u r doing something right.
yes, my plant is 7 months old. was very slow growing in the beginning. so far
the concensus seems to be to wait several more weeks. i have a lot of
“warts” on most of my plants. if they don’t turn into good size buds are they
worth harvesting ; curing; and, smoking. thanks, j

In a message dated 10/5/2016 3:23:53 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
growingmarijuana@discoursemail.com writes:

     _Tarzan_ (http://ilgmforum.com/users/tarzan)  

October 5
I am a newbie so take what I say with a grain of salt!!
You said 7 months old but I’m hoping you meant 7 weeks!
I went to 12/12 when my plants started to flower on their own,
I then figured on 65 days since that is what was indicated as flowering
time.
I bought a hand held microscope which I think is almost a requirement
cause you can really get a good look at what is going on. Well my 65 days was
up almost two weeks ago and I still have very few amber trichomes. In
addition, right at the end of my 65 days the buds started growing a ton of more
buds. I call them warts cause they are small clusters of buds sticking out
from the initial buds that were relatively symmetrical. My buds are
significantly bigger now that the “warts” have started and they just keep getting
bigger and bigger! I have read a ton about harvesting and think the
concensus is that first time growers cut too early. I have wanted to call them
done now for two weeks but each time I check them they are bigger, have more
“warts” and are getting alot more trichomes. Based on your description of
the size of your buds I would say be patient, get a handheld microscope and
monitor your trichomes. After a lot of research I have determined I will
turn off the lights when I see 20% amber trichomes. I will leave the lights
off for two day before a cut and hang them. Hope this helps some. Good luck
and keep us posted.

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thanks for your advise. i’ll wait several weeks. i get concerned because
from what i’ve read if one waits too long then the buds are just about
worthless.

In a message dated 10/5/2016 3:24:02 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
growingmarijuana@discoursemail.com writes:

     _Oak_ (http://ilgmforum.com/users/oak)  

October 5
hard to tell without a real close up but based on what you have said and
what I can see… my best guess is that you still have three to four weeks
before harvest time.
the “small white crystals” are your trichomes… you may need a better
magnifier so you can get a solid look at them

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ps; can u share what brand of microscope you have and where u got it.
thanks

In a message dated 10/5/2016 3:23:53 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
growingmarijuana@discoursemail.com writes:

     _Tarzan_ (http://ilgmforum.com/users/tarzan)  

October 5
I am a newbie so take what I say with a grain of salt!!
You said 7 months old but I’m hoping you meant 7 weeks!
I went to 12/12 when my plants started to flower on their own,
I then figured on 65 days since that is what was indicated as flowering
time.
I bought a hand held microscope which I think is almost a requirement
cause you can really get a good look at what is going on. Well my 65 days was
up almost two weeks ago and I still have very few amber trichomes. In
addition, right at the end of my 65 days the buds started growing a ton of more
buds. I call them warts cause they are small clusters of buds sticking out
from the initial buds that were relatively symmetrical. My buds are
significantly bigger now that the “warts” have started and they just keep getting
bigger and bigger! I have read a ton about harvesting and think the
concensus is that first time growers cut too early. I have wanted to call them
done now for two weeks but each time I check them they are bigger, have more
“warts” and are getting alot more trichomes. Based on your description of
the size of your buds I would say be patient, get a handheld microscope and
monitor your trichomes. After a lot of research I have determined I will
turn off the lights when I see 20% amber trichomes. I will leave the lights
off for two day before a cut and hang them. Hope this helps some. Good luck
and keep us posted.

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(Are buds ready to harvest - #2 by Tarzan) or reply to this email to respond.

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Very nicely put @tarzan! I agree about when to harvest.
:evergreen_tree::evergreen_tree::v:

This is the one I just got. Definitely a required tool for growers!

I went on Amazon and bought a Carson 60-129x LED lighted Pocket microscope.
It’s pretty plain but it works nicely.

Given the time money and effort you have invested then yes I would follow
through with what you’ve started. I have a journal where I have noted the
things I have learned, the time table for the plants growth and notes on my
mistakes so I can avoid them next time. I would write down everything I’ve
noticed and learned for next time. Not sure what conditions lead to the
length of time and rate of maturation but plants only have one mission in
life and that is to reproduce. I feel certain that given time your plant
will “get there” so I would encourage you to be patient, take notes and
don’t get discouraged. I am on day 76 from going 12/12 and I still have
very few amber trichs so I just keep checking them and trying to be
patient. It really is amazing how much they advance during the last few
weeks of the grow. Every day I am amazed at how they are maturing, making
warts and growing new trichs.
All the best and keep up the good work!

1 Like

thank you

In a message dated 10/6/2016 11:31:24 A.M. Central Daylight Time,
growingmarijuana@discoursemail.com writes:

     _Tarzan_ (http://ilgmforum.com/users/tarzan)  

October 6
Given the time money and effort you have invested then yes I would follow
through with what you’ve started. I have a journal where I have noted the
things I have learned, the time table for the plants growth and notes on my
mistakes so I can avoid them next time. I would write down everything I’ve
noticed and learned for next time. Not sure what conditions lead to the
length of time and rate of maturation but plants only have one mission in
life and that is to reproduce. I feel certain that given time your plant
will “get there” so I would encourage you to be patient, take notes and
don’t get discouraged. I am on day 76 from going 12/12 and I still have
very few amber trichs so I just keep checking them and trying to be
patient. It really is amazing how much they advance during the last few
weeks of the grow. Every day I am amazed at how they are maturing, making
warts and growing new trichs.
All the best and keep up the good work!

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(Are buds ready to harvest - #10 by Tarzan) or reply to this email to respond.

In Reply To
zonindallas
(Profile - zonindallas - I Love Growing Marijuana Forum)
October 5 thanks so much for your advise. sounds like u r doing
something right. yes, my plant is 7 months old. was very slow growing in the
beginning. so far the concensus seems to be to wait several more weeks. i have a
lot of “warts” on most of my plants. if they don’t turn into good size
buds are t…

Visit Topic
(Are buds ready to harvest - #10 by Tarzan) or reply to this email to respond.

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(I Love Growing Marijuana Forum
cf685ce2aa15a4d612aa) .

thanks. i’ll check it out.

In a message dated 10/6/2016 3:58:04 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
growingmarijuana@discoursemail.com writes:

     _Tarzan_ (http://ilgmforum.com/users/tarzan)  

October 6
I went on Amazon and bought a Carson 60-129x LED lighted Pocket
microscope.
It’s pretty plain but it works nicely.

Visit Topic
(Are buds ready to harvest - #9 by Tarzan) or reply to this email to respond.

In Reply To
zonindallas
(Profile - zonindallas - I Love Growing Marijuana Forum)
October 5 ps; can u share what brand of microscope you have and where u
got it. thanks In a message dated 10/5/2016 3:23:53 P.M. Central Daylight
Time, growingmarijuana@discoursemail.com writes: Tarzan
(Profile - Tarzan - I Love Growing Marijuana Forum) October 5 I am a newbie so take wh…

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i recently got a carson 60 - 129x pocket microscope. it’s powerful but, how
does one keep it steady to get good views. thanks

In a message dated 10/5/2016 6:21:50 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
growingmarijuana@discoursemail.com writes:

     _Beans_ (http://ilgmforum.com/users/beans)  

October 5

(https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/3X/2/8/2877a9cae2fbec82d0cd94cfc6b76b89b0724736.png)
This is the one I just got. Definitely a required tool for growers!

i recently got a carson 60 - 129x pocket microscope. it’s powerful but, how
does one keep it steady to get good views. when i am able to get a good
view of some of my buds i see some with amber heads on some trichomes but the
shaft is clear. should the trichome be completely amber and (i forgot) but
wants the percentage of amber trichomes that mean they are ready to
harvest. thanks

In a message dated 10/6/2016 11:31:24 A.M. Central Daylight Time,
growingmarijuana@discoursemail.com writes:

     _Tarzan_ (http://ilgmforum.com/users/tarzan)  

October 6
Given the time money and effort you have invested then yes I would follow
through with what you’ve started. I have a journal where I have noted the
things I have learned, the time table for the plants growth and notes on my
mistakes so I can avoid them next time. I would write down everything I’ve
noticed and learned for next time. Not sure what conditions lead to the
length of time and rate of maturation but plants only have one mission in
life and that is to reproduce. I feel certain that given time your plant
will “get there” so I would encourage you to be patient, take notes and
don’t get discouraged. I am on day 76 from going 12/12 and I still have
very few amber trichs so I just keep checking them and trying to be
patient. It really is amazing how much they advance during the last few
weeks of the grow. Every day I am amazed at how they are maturing, making
warts and growing new trichs.
All the best and keep up the good work!

The opinions vary regarding the percentage of amber trichs. I settled at
around 20%. I actually cut what I thought was older buds and looked at them
through my microscope while on a desk or table. Only way to get a good
steady look. I feel like if you have any doubt…wait!!! Once they are cut
there is no going back. I was advised to not look at leaves. So, every day
I would go in and cut what I felt was an older bud and look at it through
the scope to check for amber trichs. I think you only need the head to be
amber. When clear, the THC is not mature. When cloudy, thc is mature, when
amber it is degrading. The amber is important thought because, I’m told and
I believe, that the amber is what keeps your high from being all in your
head. Another line of thought was to cut the more mature buds and let the
smaller or lower buds continue to mature until the trichs show that amount
of amber you want. I think this too is good advice. When I harvested mine I
did it all at once. The little or newer buds had vitually no amber and I
think I am going to have a heady high from these as a result. Hope this
helps a little. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have. The group on
this site is very helpful and knowedgeable.

thank you

In a message dated 11/14/2016 11:27:33 A.M. Central Standard Time,
growingmarijuana@discoursemail.com writes:

     _Tarzan_ (http://ilgmforum.com/users/tarzan)  

November 14
The opinions vary regarding the percentage of amber trichs. I settled at
around 20%. I actually cut what I thought was older buds and looked at them
through my microscope while on a desk or table. Only way to get a good
steady look. I feel like if you have any doubt…wait!!! Once they are cut
there is no going back. I was advised to not look at leaves. So, every day
I would go in and cut what I felt was an older bud and look at it through
the scope to check for amber trichs. I think you only need the head to be
amber. When clear, the THC is not mature. When cloudy, thc is mature,
when
amber it is degrading. The amber is important thought because, I’m told and
I believe, that the amber is what keeps your high from being all in your
head. Another line of thought was to cut the more mature buds and let the
smaller or lower buds continue to mature until the trichs show that amount
of amber you want. I think this too is good advice. When I harvested mine I
did it all at once. The little or newer buds had vitually no amber and I
think I am going to have a heady high from these as a result. Hope this
helps a little. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have. The group on
this site is very helpful and knowedgeable.