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While I like the look (and smell... mmmmmmm) of the buds, they are small, so I do think they need some more time. Off to get a magnification loop and start keeping some records. Wish I knew which plants were which, but we've had to move them around once or twice since planting and just got them all mixed up.
its all about the trichomes buddy
I am in the same boat as you. My plants look delicious, and I want to harvest them now. BUt I ise a handheld 60x-100x microscope to look at the trichomes. Mine are still mostly translucent/milky(60%-80%), with some still remaining clear(8%-15%). There are a couple ambers scattered throughout, but I would only say about (3%-7%).
The plants look very resinous, and I have heard accounts of people wanting to harvest in the exact trichome arrangement I am seeing, but more people have stated that I should wait until about 50% of trichomes are amber. So, basically, asking people is not always the best help (when their are widely varying opinions).
Personally, I am basing when I harvest on the time of year (sometime in early to mid october for my more indica dominant plants, and late october to early November for my Sativa dominant plant). I wam looking for my indica plants to have about 50%amber trichomes (as they are supposed to affect the body more, which is what amber triches do) and my sativa dominant plant to ave about 10%-20% amber trichomes (more "heady"). However, amber trichomes are a sign of thc degradation, so you can make even a more Indica dominant plant have a more cereberal high if you cut it with less amber. However, you will not have maximized the the effect that the plant is genetically designed to produce.
If you want to know whether a plant is more indica or sativa dominant, after having mixed them up or not known names in the first place, you can look at leaf structure. Plants with more broad leaves and wide "fingers" tend to be more Indica dominant. When the plants have thinner "fingers" they tend to be more sativa dominant. It is not a "sure fire" way to tell, but it can get you in the ballpark).
Or...you could have an aoutoflower strain and then you have to base it all on trichomes.
I am a first time grower, but I also have done a TON of research and blogged with people on this forum and another one. So I am essentially relaying the combination of my experience and other's advice. Hope it helps
Last year, I began to harvest around this time and I was too early. Having been the first to respond here, I decided to harvest and try out a few buds this week on a 6 month old in the ground plant. Having read some of the comments in this thread, I figured I was wasting my time again. As I type this, I'm stoned off my ass from this(3 tokes). This is the best herb I have smoked in years, and I'm 44 y/o. So, what can we glean from all this discussion?.Quote:
Originally Posted by happymedicine
The best way to find out is by sampling the product. I just harvested the rest. What's nice is the fact I have several other varieties that are late bloomers. Harvesting is dependent upon the strain IMO.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sunbiz1
Every plant is different and should be harvested at a different time. Even if I have clones that are the same plant, i dont harvest all of them at once. If one isnt ready, it doesnt get the cut.
The only reason i say to wait is because every newb see's trichomes and red hairs and theyre mouth starts watering. Do you every hear anybody on this site complain about" ohhh man i harvest way to late and it turned out like shit" Hell no. Its better to pick to late than to early IMHO. Early buds are still potent dont get me wrong, but the stone isnt as heavy and it doesnt last nearly as long. When outdoors, I tend not to check the trich's as much. If I went by trichome color my buds would be a moldy mess by the time they were satisfactory to some indoor growers.
:D.......Quote:
Originally Posted by drudown11