Dude and Dudes, Just started week 8 flower from schedule change. Running 5 different strains in a 3×3 (tight). Star Pupil, White Widow, Runtz, Space Ace & GDP. I pulled out the microscope for the first time today to find every type of trichome colors. Clear, cloudy & amber. Fairly evenly split too. Two issues hit me right away. Its early, all breeder advice is 9 weeks and secondly, the hat trick trichomes. Is this typical? At first blush, it looks like ~ 15% amber on the flowers. Would love to hear your experiences. I am going to wait another week as I have conflicts to begin harvest until next weekend. Thoughts?
Keep up the great work. Your PC is one I always look forward to.
Peace Out
R and S 69
Are you checking the calyx where the pistil comes out or sugar leaves? Testing the calyx is key. Some plants will try to keep pushing out new trichomes and trichomes can amber from physical stress like rubbing on your arm when getting in the canopy.
Hey JustCoolin, thanks for the perspective. I checked both flower & leaf surfaces. Both exhibited more amber that I expected to see, along with lots of clear.
Don’t think of “checking the trichs” as an end all be all on determining harvest time, instead think of it as one of the things to look at. The more you grow a strain and try different harvest times, you will learn when it is best to harvest for the results you are looking for. There are other clues to look for that you are getting close to harvest, the fading of the leaves as the plant naturally age, the stigma (or bud hairs) will go from white to an amber/brown color, the plant will stop taking up as much water, etc. All these signs together are all signs you can use to narrow down a harvest time.
I usually harvest with some amber heads to answer your question, but really I believe that getting to know your plant, and trying different harvest times, is really the only real way to dial in a harvest day target. #growerslove
agreed y’all!! And as well make sure your checking different sites not just one on each lady’s legit take your time and get in there. If you can’t, figure out how to. I’ve seen my brother Flip use a creeper for working on cars to get under scrog nets to check. Man this is the calm before the storm so enjoy the last week or so.
Another thing is, I’m pretty sure you can cut a plant down in sections to harvest. Like if one branch is definitely ready but another needs a little bit of time. That would prob be for another post. And I’m definitely not the guy to talk to about that. But that’s if it comes up it’s always an option. I mean you have 5 strains in a 3×3. So That’s a lot in a little space man. Good luck with it all and keep the DGC updated brother. Much love and respect🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻
Hey COSGrow618. It is tight for sure. Funny how I wanted 4 in the beginning, to have the strains in the jar. Next time, I may just do one of my favs and blow it up as big as possible. Thanmks again for your words of wisdom!
Thank you, SpartanGrow. I ran 5 types for the first time so I am learning these on the fly. Two of the plants have shown some very nice coloration to be sure. Many hairs are turning but there are plenty of white hairs popping. Gonna target 9 weeks and find out!