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Will I have to harvest early?

Discussion in 'First Time Marijuana Growers' started by biroc, Oct 19, 2011.

  1. #1 biroc, Oct 19, 2011
    I have:

    "Doggies Nuts: Big Bud #1", (they were free with order)
    ( 1st 3 pix) (using a 60x microscope)
    its 10" & the trichomes are: (guessing) 80% cloudy, 19.75% clear, .25% amber
    (thought this would happen around 2-4'):confused:

    &

    Short Stuff: Blue Diesel
    currently, 4" (4th picture)
    (guessing) trichomes are 60% cloudy, 40% clear

    (thought this should happen @ 12-30" like their website says):confused:

    been going off of this link:

    when to harvest

    I've been watering them once per week, using a 105w cfl bulb
    (nearly 11" long, 400w equivalent) on 12 hrs light cycle
    keeping my grow box by an open window for fresh air
    (though it gets to 50s @ night)

    I originally planned to harvest early next month, but the trichomes are getting me wondering........:confused_2:

    Even though it may be a low yield, it'll be my 1st 'successful' grow.

    Should I harvest early, or wait until early next month as originally intended?
     

    Attached Files:

  2. #2 ohspyro89, Oct 19, 2011
    They look like they need more time. I'd stick with your schedule and go longer.

    Just out of curiosity, how long did you veg?
     
  3. #3 Mr Kite, Oct 19, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 19, 2011
    40% clear is too much. Also, most of the pistils are still white...
    You should at least wait until close to 100% of your trichomes are milky white, I'd say. If you harvest now, you will lose both in terms of yield and potency...

    Like you, I'm about to harvest my first grow. All my trichomes are cloudy, but still no amber and some (not all) of my plants have had half of their pistils turn brown.
    But I'll still wait a week or so, because white pistils mean my buds still have some fatting up to do and I want at least 10% amber trichs...

    Those last days of waiting are the worst!:(

    This thread has some interesting info on when to harvest: http://forum.grasscity.com/harvesting-processing-marijuana/666373-guide-when-harvest.html
     
  4. #4 Jon Doe 420, Oct 19, 2011
    @ Mr kite
    You are right. The last few days are the worse. The last two weeks or so is when your patience really begins to get tested. Then you have to dry and cure. I'm coming to the end of my first grow. Every morning I look at it and say its your last day. Then I check the trichs and decide to wait. Waiting to see about 20% amber. Your plant is looking nice.
     
  5. #5 biroc, Oct 30, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 30, 2011
    on my big one (10") 1 fan leaf is turning yellow with others to follow

    trichomes are milky, starting to see 2-3 amber ones

    thank you Mr. Kite for the harvest link, quite informative
    (though they don't know how to use "white balance")

    I'll wait another week or 2, until I get 10-25% amber trichomes
     

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  6. #6 rhapsodyrcks, Oct 30, 2011

    I go throw the same. Right now with my current plant I say everyday todays the day then I check and cant bring myself to it..lol.
     
  7. #7 sourjello73, Oct 30, 2011
    10 inches? I wish my plants were that short! Nice ass buds you got growin give it a lil bit more time
     
  8. #8 biroc, Oct 31, 2011
    Thanks

    Actually, I'm a bit surprised that they haven't grown much taller.

    But I'm not complaining, this is my 1st SUCCESSFUL grow.

    Last 5 died on me in the early seedling stages.
     
  9. #9 biroc, Nov 2, 2011
    For the drying process: hanging vs 'drying rack' which is better?

    Would the trichomes stick or fall off on a drying rack?

    my yield is VERY small (see pictures @ 1st posting)
     
  10. #10 pointswest, Nov 2, 2011
    Hanging would be the best for your harvest to keep your harvest at maximum potency. It looks like your plant has a couple of more weeks at least. Most of the stigmas will turn brown by the time you reach 25% amber.

    Breeder site recommendations for harvest times are only approximate guides at best. Every growing area has a little different environment and lighting conditions, so harvest times can vary considerably. The true test is the trichome color you prefer to smoke. Other indicators like stigma color can give false results, depending upon growing conditions. Also realize the buds will ripen a little more during the drying and cure.

    PW
     
  11. #11 coolcalin812, Nov 2, 2011
    how long did u vag?
     
  12. #12 biroc, Nov 3, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 3, 2011
    updates (1st 4 shot yesterday & last 5 shot a few min ago)

    it seems a little confusing when it comes to:

    should harvesting time be determined by the % of brown pistils/stigmas
    or by the trichomes (% milky, % amber, etc.)

    (photos 1-4, 8-9 are big bud #1)
    &
    (photos 5-7 are blue diesel)

    for my next grow, for a higher yield, should I be using a longer light cycle?

    how long for veg?

    how long for flowering?
     

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  13. #13 biroc, Nov 7, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 7, 2011
    well, I've FINALLY harvested (in the past 1-2 hours).
    :yay:

    (As previously posted)
    The yield may be pretty small, but am happy because this is the
    1st EVER :metal:successful grow
    (last 5 seedlings died on me:cry:).


    Trimming trim (say that 3x fast) is a bit annoying, may just leave them on next time.

    Now, does anyone know how to get the stickiness off of scissors?
    Rubbing alcohol just isn't cutting it.

    Also, I'd like to thank you all for all the advice & input.
    :hello:
     

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  14. #14 pointswest, Nov 7, 2011
    Scrape the tools with a razor blade then wipe clean with the alcohol.

    PW
     
  15. #15 fayn2madness, Nov 10, 2011
    nail polish remover works too.
     
  16. #16 biroc, Nov 13, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 14, 2011
    now that their in the mason jars for "curing"

    I'll "burp" them every other day

    I know this has to go on @ least a month.

    so far, have been smoking the 'trim leaves' a bare buzz, but @ least I'm sleeping better @ night
     

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  17. #17 biroc, Dec 31, 2011
    On my 2nd grow(s) now, it's still vegging & have turned to 2700k cfl bulbs to induce flowering.

    I'm still learning about strains, on my "Mandala Sadhu" plant,
    what's this sprout protruding from the fan leaf?:confused:
     

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  18. #18 CrackLemonade, Dec 31, 2011
    Olive oil helps to get the sticky off your hands.

    Your going to hate shrinkage.
     
  19. #19 biroc, Feb 20, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 20, 2012
    my next plant (Mandala: Hashberry) its still in an early flowering stage, yet, some of the trichomes on some of the leaves have already turned amber (found a trich or 2 that are dark red)

    is this a call for concern?
     

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