In weeks 11–12, your cannabis plant will enter the final phase before harvest. Now it’s all about optimally preparing the plants for harvest so that the buds can develop their full potency, flavour, and aroma. These weeks are crucial for a successful harvest—an event you’ve been working towards for a long time. According to the ‘Trinity of Modern Cult
Important steps in harvest preparation
1. Flushing
One of the most important steps in the last few weeks is flushing your plants. This means watering them with pure water—no nutrients. This removes any remaining salts and nutrient residues from the soil and plants. The result: flowers that taste cleaner and provide a smoother smoke. Start flushing about two weeks before the planned harvest date, which is usually in week 11.
2. Keep an eye on the trichomes
The most reliable indicator of the perfect harvest time is the trichomes. These small resin glands change colour from clear to milky and then to amber when cannabinoid levels peak. If you want a more psychoactive effect, you should harvest when the trichomes are mainly milky. For a more calming, sedative effect, wait until more trichomes
3. Reduce humidity
In the last few weeks, it is important to keep humidity levels low—ideally between 30–40 per cent. This will prevent mould or mildew from forming on your dense buds. Plus, lower humidity will help to cure the buds and allow them to fully ripen, significantly improving the quality in the end.
4. Adjust the light
Some growers reduce the light intensity or shorten the light cycle in the last few days to mimic the plant’s natural autumn cycle. This puts the plant under slight stress and promotes the production of resin and terpenes – the substances responsible for the aroma and potency of the flowers. This can further enhance the taste and effect.
5. Remove leaves
In the last two weeks, you can start removing some of the large fan leaves. This improves the light and air circulation around the buds and makes it easier for you to trim them after harvesting. Fewer large leaves also means that the plant’s energy can be more concentrated on the buds.
6. Prepare your curing area
Now is the perfect time to prepare your curing area. The room should be clean, dark and at a consistent temperature – ideally between 15 and 21 degrees Celsius, with humidity between 45 and 55 per cent. Such conditions ensure a slow and gentle curing process, which preserves the quality and aroma of your harvest.
Visual indications of harvest maturity
By the end of week 12, most of the pistils should have turned dark and curved inwards. The flowers should be dense and covered with a thick layer of resinous trichomes. The smell of the plant will be strong and intense – a good sign that the buds are fully ripe.
Conclusion
Preparing for harvest is a crucial step in ensuring that all the hard work of the past few weeks results in a high-quality crop. By flushing, carefully monitoring the trichomes and adjusting environmental conditions, you can ensure that your plants are ready for a successful harvest. The detailed instructions in the ‘Trinity of Modern Cultivation’ manual from Treez Tools will help you to maximise both the quantity and quality of your harvest.
Ready for a successful harvest? Make sure you have prepared all the steps well, and enjoy the fruits of your labour!
Keywords: cannabis harvest preparation, trichome monitoring, cannabis rinsing before harvest, humidity cannabis cultivation, recognising cannabis flower ripeness