The final stage of the flowering period is a crucial time for growers, as it significantly impacts the yield, potency, flavor, and overall quality of the harvest. The last 2 weeks of the flowering phase can be the difference between a good harvest and a great one. Understanding and implementing the right techniques during this period to save time is essential for achieving the best possible results.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore essential tips for the last 2 weeks of flowering. We will cover everything from environmental adjustments and nutrient management to watering techniques and harvest preparation. Whether you are a novice or an experienced grower, this article will provide valuable insights to help you maximize your harvest and ensure that your plants reach their full potential.
Read on to discover expert advice on optimizing the final flowering phase of cannabis plants and setting the stage for a successful and bountiful harvest.
Understanding the Final Flowering Stage
What Happens in the Last 2 Weeks of Flowering?
The last 2 weeks of fall flowering are marked by significant changes in your cannabis plants as they prepare for harvest. During this period, flower buds swell to their maximum size, trichome production peaks, and the plant directs its energy towards resin and terpene development.
You'll notice that pistils (the hair-like structures on the flower buds) may change color, often turning amber or brown, signaling that the plant is nearing maturity. This is also when the buds become denser and stickier, richer with the compounds that will determine their potency and flavor.
Why Are the Last 2 Weeks Crucial?
The final two weeks are critical because this is when the plant's characteristics, such as potency, aroma, and flavor, are finely tuned. The conditions and care provided during this time can significantly affect the quality of the final product. For instance, maintaining the right environment and nutrient levels can enhance trichome production, leading to more potent buds.
Conversely, mistakes made during this period can lead to issues like nutrient burn, mold, or underdeveloped buds, negatively impacting your harvest. Therefore, understanding and managing this stage carefully is essential for achieving the best possible results.
Environmental Conditions for Optimal Flowering
Ideal Temperature and Humidity
Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity levels during the very last week to two weeks of the flowering phase is crucial for optimal bud development and preventing mold or mildew.
Temperature
Daytime: Aim to keep daytime temperatures between 68 and 75°F (20 and 24°C). This range helps maximize resin production and prevent heat stress.
Nighttime: Nighttime temperatures should be slightly cooler, around 60–70°F (15–21°C). This temperature drop can enhance color development in certain strains and promote terpene production.
Humidity
Humidity Levels: Lower humidity is essential in the final weeks to prevent mold and mildew. Aim for a relative humidity (RH) level between 40-50%.
Dehumidifiers: Using a dehumidifier can help maintain these levels, especially in more humid climates or if you notice a spike in humidity.
Lighting Adjustments
Proper lighting is essential to ensure the buds mature fully and develop maximum potency and flavor.
Light Schedule
Consistency: Maintain a consistent 12/12 light cycle schedule (12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness) to keep the plants in flowering mode.
Dark Period: Ensure complete darkness during the dark period to avoid stressing the plants, which could lead to hermaphroditism.
Light Intensity and Spectrum
Intensity: High-intensity lights can help boost bud development. Ensure your lights are at an optimal distance to lower buds to avoid light burning.
Spectrum: Full-spectrum LED lights are beneficial as they provide more light at the necessary wavelengths for full flower bud maturation. Some growers switch to lights with a higher red spectrum in the final weeks to enhance flowering.
Nutrient Management
Nutrient Reduction Strategies
In the final two weeks of the flowering phase, adjusting your nutrient regimen is essential to avoid overfeeding and ensure the best-quality buds.
Gradually Reducing Nutrients
Taper Off Feeding: Gradually reduce the amount of nutrients you provide your plants. This helps prevent nutrient lockout and ensures the plant can use up any remaining nutrients.
Specific Nutrients: Focus on reducing nitrogen first, as it can negatively impact bud flavor and quality if overused in the late flowering stage. Keep nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels balanced to support bud development.
The Role of Flushing
What is Flushing?: Flushing involves watering your plants with plain pH-balanced water to remove any excess nutrients from the soil.
When to Start: Begin flushing 1-2 weeks early before growers harvest. This helps ensure that the final product is free of harsh chemicals and has a cleaner, smoother taste.
Flushing Technique: Water your plants thoroughly until you see runoff, which helps wash away any built-up salts and nutrients. Repeat this process several times over the flushing period.
Avoiding Nutrient Burn
Nutrient burns can severely impact the quality of your buds, causing them to appear scorched and diminishing their potency.
Signs of Nutrient Burn
Leaf Tips: Burnt, yellow, or brown tips on the leaves are common signs of nutrient burn.
Leaf Edges: Browning and crisping along the leaf edges.
Overall Plant Health: A general decline in plant health, including curling leaves and stunted growth.
Tips for Balancing Nutrient Levels
Monitor Feeding: Keep a close eye on how much and how often you feed your plants. Adjust based on their specific needs.
Use Quality Nutrients: Invest in high-quality, balanced nutrients specifically formulated for the flowering stage.
Regular Testing: Test the pH and EC (electrical conductivity) of your soil or growing medium regularly to ensure that nutrient levels are within the optimal range.
Proper Watering Practices
Watering practices play a crucial role in the final development of your buds. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to issues that affect yield and quality.
Adjusting Watering Frequency
Observation: Pay close attention to pot size of your plants and the moisture level of the soil. Plants may require less water as they near the end of their life cycle.
Consistency: Maintain a consistent watering schedule but be prepared to adjust based on the plant’s needs. Overwatering can lead to root problems and underdeveloped buds.
Importance of pH Levels in Water
Optimal pH: Ensure the pH of your water is between 6.0 and 6.5 for soil growth and 5.5 and 6.0 for hydroponic systems. Proper pH levels help plants absorb nutrients efficiently.
Testing: Regularly test the pH of your water and adjust it using pH up or down solutions as necessary. Consistent pH monitoring helps prevent nutrient lockout and other growth issues.
Benefits of Flushing
Flushing your plants during the last 2 weeks of their flowering time is essential for ensuring a clean, high-quality final product.
How to Properly Flush Plants
Plain Water: Use plain, pH-balanced water for flushing. This helps remove any residual nutrients from the soil or growing medium.
Frequency: Begin flushing 1-2 weeks before the plant material's anticipated harvest date. Water your plants until you see runoff, which indicates that excess nutrients and plant material are being washed away.
Multiple Flushing Sessions: Flushing should be done several times over the 1-2 week period to ensure thorough cleansing.
Impact on Final Product Quality
Improved Taste and Smoothness: Flushing helps to eliminate chemical residues, resulting in a smoother smoke and better flavor.
Enhanced Potency: Proper flushing ensures that plants use up stored nutrients, focusing their energy on resin and terpene production, which can enhance potency.
Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Identifying Common Issues
In the very last 2 weeks of flowering tips and the last 2 weeks of the flowering period, closely monitoring your plants for signs of stress or issues is essential to ensuring a successful harvest.
Signs of Stress in Plants
Leaf Discoloration: Yellowing or browning leaves can indicate nutrient deficiencies or pH imbalances.
Wilting: Drooping or wilting leaves might be a sign of underwatering or overwatering.
Bud Rot: Check for mold or rot within the buds, especially in dense flowers. This can be identified by discolored, mushy spots on the buds.
How to Address Pests and Diseases
Pest Inspection: Regularly check your plants for signs of pests such as spider mites, aphids, or thrips. Look under the leaves and around the buds.
Natural Remedies: Use natural pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap. Avoid chemical pesticides in the final couple weeks, to prevent residue on the buds.
Disease Management: Remove any affected leaves or buds immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Ensure proper air circulation and humidity control to minimize risks.
Using a Magnifying Glass for Trichome Inspection
Inspecting trichomes is crucial to determining the perfect time to harvest.
How to Check Trichomes for Readiness
Tools Needed: Use a jeweler's loupe or a handheld microscope with at least 30x magnification.
Where to Look: Focus on the trichomes on the buds rather than the leaves for an accurate assessment of readiness.
Differences Between Clear, Cloudy, and Amber Trichomes
Clear Trichomes: Your trichomes were once crystal clear before taking on a cloudy white color. Indicate that the buds are not yet fully mature. Harvesting at this stage will result in lower potency.
Cloudy (Milky White) Trichomes: Signal peak of flowering cannabis plants and plant flower potency with the highest levels of THC. Harvesting more cannabis flower plants at this stage will provide cannabis with the strongest effects.
Amber Trichomes: Indicate a shift towards a more sedative, couch-lock effect as THC degrades into CBN. A mix of cloudy and amber trichomes is often preferred for a more light and balanced effect.
Enhancing Flavor and Aroma
Utilizing Organic Supplements
To maximize the flavor and aroma of cannabis in your buds, consider using organic supplements that enhance these qualities during the last 2 weeks of the flowering cycle.
Organic Supplements That Enhance Flavor
Molasses: Adding unsulfured blackstrap molasses to your watering regimen can boost microbial activity in the soil, leading to better nutrient uptake and enhanced flavor. The minerals & micronutrients in molasses will maintain beneficial bacteria, and keep roots healthy.
Compost Teas: Brew compost teas using worm castings, bat guano, or compost to provide a rich blend of beneficial microbes and nutrients that can improve the overall health and taste of your buds.
Seaweed Extract: Seaweed or kelp extract can improve plant health and enhance produce flavor by providing produce with a wide range of trace minerals and growth hormones.
Application Methods and Timing
Frequency: Use these supplements sparingly in the last 2 weeks. Too much can lead to nutrient buildup, which may affect the taste negatively.
Application: Dilute according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply during regular watering schedules.
The Role of Terpenes
Terpenes are the compounds responsible for the distinct aromas and flavors in the cannabis plant. Boosting terpene production can significantly enhance the sensory experience of your final cannabis product.
Understanding Terpenes and Their Effects
Types of Terpenes: Common terpenes include myrcene (earthy and musky), limonene (citrusy), and pinene (piney). Each terpene not only contributes to flavor but also has unique effects on the user.
Effects: Terpenes can influence the overall effect of cannabis. For example, myrcene is known for its sedative properties, while limonene is uplifting and mood-enhancing.
How to Boost Terpene Production Naturally
Stress Techniques: Mild stress techniques, such as bending or gently squeezing the stems, can increase terpene production as the plant tries to protect itself.
Optimal Conditions: Maintaining optimal environmental conditions, particularly temperature and humidity, can prevent terpene degradation. Avoid temperatures above 80°F (27°C), as they can cause terpenes to evaporate more moisture.
Light Spectrum: Full-spectrum lighting, especially UV-B light, can enhance terpene production. Some growers introduce UV-B light during the very last few weeks of flowering, to the last few weeks to 2 weeks of flowering; other growers in tips last two weeks to last two weeks of flowering to boost terpene levels.
Harvest Preparation
Signs That Your Plant is Ready for Harvest
Identifying the right time to harvest is crucial to ensuring the full speed, potency, flavor, and overall quality of your buds.
Visual Indicators of Readiness
Trichome Color: Use a magnifying glass to check the trichomes. Harvest when most trichomes are cloudy, with some turning amber.
Pistil Color: Look at the pistils on the buds. They should be mostly brown or amber rather than white.
Bud Appearance: The buds should be dense and swollen, with a sticky resin coating on lower buds.
Timing Your Harvest for Optimal Results
Morning Harvest: Harvesting early in the morning is often preferred because terpene levels are at their highest.
Harvest Windows: Depending on the desired effect, you might harvest slightly earlier (more cloudy trichomes for a more uplifting high) or later (more amber trichomes for a more sedative effect).
Tools and Techniques for Harvesting
Using the right tools and techniques ensures that you handle the buds gently and preserve their quality.
Essential Tools for Harvesting
Sharp Scissors or Pruners: Use high-quality, sharp scissors or pruners to make clean cuts and minimize damage to the plant.
Gloves: Wear gloves to keep your hands clean and avoid contaminating the buds with oils from your skin.
Trimming Tray: A trimming tray helps collect fallen trichomes and keeps your work area organized.
Proper Cutting and Handling Techniques
Cutting Branches: Cut the branches carefully, leaving some stems for easier handling and hanging.
Gentle Handling: Handle buds gently to avoid knocking off trichomes. Hold branches by the stem rather than the buds themselves.
Initial Trimming: Remove large fan leaves immediately to improve airflow during drying. You can do a more detailed trim after the buds have dried.
Post-Harvest Considerations
Drying and Curing Your Harvest
Proper drying and curing are essential steps to preserve the potency, flavor, and overall quality of your buds.
Step-by-Step Drying Process
Hang Drying: Hang the trimmed branches upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area with a temperature of around 60–70°F (15–21°C) and a humidity level of 45–55%.
Air Circulation: Ensure good fresh air and circulation to prevent mold and mildew. Use fans if necessary for moist, fresh air only, but avoid direct airflow on the buds.
Drying Time: Drying typically takes 7–14 days, depending on environmental conditions and bud density.
Importance of Curing
Definition: Curing involves storing dried buds in airtight containers to allow for a slow, controlled release of moisture and volatile compounds.
Enhanced Flavor and Smoother Smoke: Curing improves the taste, aroma, and smoothness of the smoke by allowing the buds to develop their full range of flavors.
Reduction of Harshness: Curing removes excess chlorophyll and other compounds that can contribute to harsh smoke.
How to Cure Buds Properly
Jar Method: Place dried buds in glass jars, filling them about two-thirds full. Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dark place.
Burping: Open the jars daily for the first week to release excess moisture and prevent mold. Gradually reduce the frequency of burping to once a week as the buds cure.
Storing Your Finished Product
Proper storage is essential for preserving the quality and potency of your buds over time.
Best Practices for Storage
Airtight Containers: Use glass jars with airtight seals to store your cured buds. Avoid plastic containers, as they can impart unwanted flavors and degrade terpenes.
Cool, Dark Location: Store jars in a cool, dark place away from direct light and heat sources. Excessive heat and light can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes.
Humidity Control: Aim for a relative humidity level of 58–62% inside the jars to prevent mold growth without drying out the buds.
Maintaining Quality Over Time
Regular Monitoring: Periodically check your stored buds for signs of mold or moisture. Remove any affected buds immediately to prevent further contamination.
Rotate Stock: Use older buds before new ones to ensure freshness and potency.
Avoid Freezing: While freezing can extend the shelf life of buds, it can also degrade their quality and potency over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced growers can make mistakes during the very last few days to 2 weeks of the flowering period that can negatively impact their harvest. Being aware of these common pitfalls can help you avoid them and achieve the best possible results.
Overlooking Environmental Adjustments
Consequences of Improper Temperature and Humidity
Heat Stress: High temperatures can cause heat stress, leading to reduced resin production, diminished terpene levels, and decreased potency.
Mold and Mildew: Excess humidity can create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew growth, which can ruin your entire harvest.
Tips to Avoid These Mistakes
Temperature Control: Use fans, air conditioning, or heaters to maintain the optimal temperature range for your plants.
Humidity Management: Invest in dehumidifiers or humidity controllers to keep humidity levels within the recommended range.
Rushing the Process
Patience in the Final Stage
Premature Harvesting: Harvesting too many, growers harvesting too early, or flowering cannabis plants too early can result in underdeveloped buds with lower potency and less flavor.
Incomplete Flushing: Rushing the flushing process can leave behind residual nutrients, affecting the taste and smoothness of your buds.
How Rushing Can Negatively Impact the Final Product
Lower Potency: Prematurely harvested cannabis strains or buds growing from flowering cannabis plant material or plants may be cannabis strains to not reach their full potential in terms of potency and cannabinoid content.
Harsh Smoke: Incomplete flushing can lead to harsh, unpleasant smoke due to the presence of residual nutrients.
Ensuring a Successful Harvest
Monitor Trichomes: Wait until the majority of trichomes have turned cloudy with some amber before harvesting.
Thorough Flushing: Take your time to flush your plants properly, ensuring that all excess nutrients are removed before harvest.
Conclusion
As you approach the final 2 weeks of the flowering cycle, it's crucial to pay close attention to every detail to ensure a successful harvest. By implementing the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can optimize the conditions for your plants and maximize the quality and potency of your buds.
From growing cannabis plants and adjusting environmental conditions to managing nutrient levels and monitoring plant health, each step plays a vital role in shaping the final outcome of hard buds from your harvest. By understanding the importance of proper drying, curing, and storage of cannabis plants, you can preserve the flavor, aroma, and potency of your growing cannabis buds over time.
Remember to be patient and avoid rushing the process. Take the time to monitor your plants closely, making adjustments as needed to ensure they reach their full potential. With dedication time, care, and attention to detail, you can achieve a bountiful harvest of high-quality, flavorful buds that will be enjoyed for weeks to come.
Thank you for reading, and happy growing!