Chapter Nine
Cutting and Curing….
Circumspection or Circumcision???

Identifying the PEAK FLORAL STAGE of the plant’s growth is as critical as recognizing male and female plant types.  Making a harvesting error of too soon or too late really diminishes the quality and quantity of your endeavor.

When you think your plants are ready to be cut, give them another 5 days.  This is a very universal conclusion agreed upon by most of the growers I have followed.  They say this was a hard lesson learned over time.

A fine example of the rewards of waiting are the next 2 photos.  The 1st one is about 3”+ in diameter and about 15” tall.  She is just one of multiple buds on the same plant.  Even though a close inspection with a magnifying glass reveals that 50% of the pistils are amber color at this stage, there are other factors that indicate it’s too soon to harvest.

At this stage, smell is a great indicator of how ripe the plant really is.  This crop still has the strong “skunky” odor.  In another few days or so, the smell will mellow to a very pleasing aromatic scent, indicating the TERPENE production is peaking.

Northern Light Bud
3”+ Diameter 15” tall, 5 Days From Harvest.