Growing Tips

How to Tell When Your Autoflower is Ready to Harvest

Posted on by Seednest
10
Mar

Harvesting at the right time is one of the most important steps in growing cannabis. If you harvest too early, you risk losing potency and yield. Wait too long, and the effects might be heavier than expected. So how do you know when your autoflower is at its peak? Let’s break it down step by step.

Trust Nature’s Timing

Most autoflowers are ready somewhere between 60 to 90 days from seed to harvest, but plants don’t always follow a strict schedule. Factors like light exposure, nutrients, and overall plant health can speed up or slow down the process. Instead of relying on the calendar alone, use visual cues from the plant to determine when it’s ready.

Check the Pistils

Pistils are the thin, hair-like strands that cover your buds. They start out white and straight but darken and curl in as the plant matures. While pistils alone won’t tell you everything, they are a great early indicator of when harvest time is approaching.

  • Too early: If most pistils are still white and sticking out, your plant isn’t ready yet.

  • Getting close: When 70-90% of pistils have darkened to orange, red, or brown, you’re in the harvest window.

  • Final check: Pistils alone can be misleading, so don’t make the final decision just based on color. The real indicator? Trichomes.

Look at the Trichomes

Trichomes are the tiny, resin-filled glands on your buds that contain THC, CBD, and terpenes. To get an accurate read on them, use a jeweler’s loupe or a magnifying glass to check their color.

  • Clear trichomes = Too early. Buds are not at full potency yet.

  • Milky white trichomes = Peak THC levels. This is the best time to harvest for balanced effects.

  • A mix of milky and amber trichomes = More sedative effects. If you want a stronger body high, wait for more amber trichomes to appear.

Why Patience Pays Off

Harvesting too early can result in buds that are less potent and lack flavor. But if you wait for the right moment, your plant will reward you with a smoother, more flavorful, and more effective smoke. The best growers know that patience is key—letting the plant reach its full potential makes all the difference.

Final Steps Before Harvest

  • Stop feeding nutrients 1-2 weeks before harvest to allow the plant to flush out excess salts and fertilizers.

  • Monitor trichomes daily to catch them at the perfect moment.

  • Trim off excess fan leaves before cutting down your plant for an easier drying process.

Explore Our Autoflower Collection

Ready to start growing? Explore our lineup of premium autoflower seeds designed for fast, easy, and reliable harvests. Whether you are a first-time grower or looking to refine your process, our carefully selected strains make it simple to grow your own high-quality cannabis at home.

Seednest