Harvesting, Drying & Curing
Harvest
Harvest is the act of cutting and collecting mature cannabis plants at the end of the flowering stage. It marks the transition from plant growth to post-harvest processing.
What Harvest Is in Cannabis Cultivation
Harvest is the stage in cannabis cultivation when plants are removed from the growing environment after reaching full maturity. This point is typically determined by visual indicators such as trichome development, pistil color, and overall flower formation, which signal peak cannabinoid and terpene potential.
Timing Harvest for Peak Maturity
During harvest, cannabis plants or branches are cut and prepared for drying. The timing of harvest is critical, as harvesting too early or too late can affect potency, flavor, aroma, and final yield. Growers often monitor plants closely in the final weeks of flowering to select an optimal harvest window.
Harvesting Methods and Handling
Harvesting practices vary depending on cultivation style, plant size, and processing goals. Some growers harvest entire plants at once, while others remove branches in stages. Regardless of method, careful handling during harvest helps preserve flower structure and resin content.
Harvest as the Start of Post-Harvest Processing
Harvest marks the end of the active growing cycle and the beginning of post-harvest stages such as drying and curing. Decisions made at harvest directly influence final product quality and cannot be reversed later.
Related terms:
Flowering Stage, Trichomes, Ripeness, Drying, Curing, Final Yield, Post-Harvest Processing.
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