The pistil is an essential part of the female cannabis plant. It consists of the stigma, pistil and ovary and plays a key role in pollination and seed formation. The pistil is particularly interesting for growers, as it also provides information on the degree of ripeness and potency of the flowers.
Structure of the pestle
- Stigma: The hair-like structures that trap pollen.
- Stylus: Connects the stigma and ovary.
- Ovary: Develops into a seed after successful pollination.
Why are pestles important for cannabis growers?
Many growers pay particular attention to the trichomes, but the pistils also reveal a lot about the plant:
1. maturity determination
- Fresh pestles are white and light in color.
- As they ripen, they turn orange, red or brown.
- Complete discoloration indicates harvest time.
2. potency & aroma
- The color of the pistils does not correlate directly with the THC content, but mature pistils indicate optimal terpene development.
- Strongly discolored pestles can indicate stress (e.g. heat, light).
3. gender recognition
- Only female plants form conspicuous pistils.
- Male plants produce pollen sacs – if you want to avoid seeds, you should remove them early.
Common myths & misconceptions about pestles
“Brown pestle = harvest immediately?”
Not necessarily! Some varieties retain white pistils until maturity. It is better to look out for trichomes (milky/amber-colored).
“More pestles = higher potency?”
No. The density of the trichomes is more important. Pistils are more an indicator of health and maturity.
Practical tips for growers
- Observation: Document the pestle development in the grow journal.
- Avoid stress: Too many brown pistils early in flowering can indicate problems (e.g. lack of nutrients).
- Harvest time: Combine pestle and trichome observation for the best result.
Conclusion
Pistils are more than just colorful little hairs – they help growers to better assess the condition of their plants. If you interpret them correctly, you can optimize harvest time and quality.