How Long Does It Take Trichomes to Change Color?
Every grower looks forward to getting the most out of their cannabis plant. Whether this involves feeding it the proper nutrients or giving it the proper lighting, it all comes down to trichomes.
These tiny hairs seem to be the common denominator in determining whether the plant will be healthy and potent.
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How long does it take trichomes to change color? Trichomes never change in the same period. However, generally speaking, they tend to go milky and then amber pretty fast, in a span of just 5 to 10 days. You will see a 30 to 70 percent ratio of milky and amber mix.
In this short read, you will find more information about the changes in a trichome’s color and what it means.
The Purpose of Trichomes
While most growers know what trichomes are and their importance, some are not aware of the reason why the cannabis plant produces them in the first place.
This is essential knowledge because you want to achieve the highest and most deliciously resinous buds.
Biologically speaking, trichomes are used for self-defense. Female cannabis plants use them to protect themselves from pests and other pathogens.
Most insects tend to stay away from their flowers due to the aggressive aromas that come from the terpenes and other compounds secreted by trichomes.
Trichomes also coat the buds and the ones responsible for deflecting harmful UV rays.
Proper Harvest Time
To get the best yield, it is crucial to know how to identify when it is time to harvest. You can do this by looking at the trichomes’ color.
This is something that you should start doing in the last couple of weeks during the flowering stage.
Usually, trichomes change from one color to another in the span of 5 to 10 days.
They tend to change color quickly, so you might need to pay attention to them daily.
The naked eye cannot see some trichomes, and they require the use of a magnifying glass to see fully.
If the trichomes are still translucent, they are not ready. They are still producing some cannabinoids, which is something you don’t want to mess with.
Bud normally will grow exponentially in the last two weeks, so you have to be patient.
When it turns milky white, it is almost ready for harvest, but the buds still won’t be ready. This is the time to pay the most attention.
Conclusion
When it comes to cannabis plant production, you must put in the work if you want to have a healthy, resinous, and potent plant.
It will not be easy, especially if you are a novice and new to the business. But hopefully, in time, you will be able to adjust and get the hang of it.
Be sure to show your care when it is harvest time and take all of the above considerations into account when you plant your next seed.