New Grower Preharvest Tips

[Muddy]

All respect to Ed and Green, but modern autoflowering cannabis is just not what they wrote those books about either.

Exactly. The definitive book on autos has yet to be written. As we've learned and are continuing to learn, growing autos is very different and a lot of the common knowledge associated with photos doesn't apply. I've done several cold weather experiments with autos. What I've learned is that unless the temperatures are below freezing for more than a few days, they don't die. They go into what I can best describe as a state of hibernation. I've had them outdoors in 3 gallon pots as late as Thanksgiving. They reach a point where they stop growing but they don't die. They were hit by frost and freezing night time temperatures, day time temps in the 40-50, so soil temperatures were well below what is needed to sustain the plant. I've also left 3 week old plants on my garage window sill all winter. Temps were mostly in the mid to high 40s with some freezing nights. They sat there and did nothing until March when it started to warm up. By the time I harvested them they were 6 months old and still produced an ounce and a half per plant. When you think about this, knowing that autos evolved in cold climates as a response to the shorter growing season, it makes a lot of sense. So would flushing an auto with ice water force it to produce more terps and resin? I'll withhold final judgement until someone actually tries it but based on my experience, I think not.

 

[Kozminski]

I've only been growing cannabis for 5 years now, but I do none of those things. And my circle of friends agree that my bud is equal to or better than what they get from dispensaries. I don't put them in darkness before harvest, I don't dip the temps, I run lights at 18/6, And I grow organic in soil, so I don't really need to flush either. Maybe I'm not reaching my full potential as a grower, but I've got no major complaints.
But, do what works for you. I'm not one to say that anyone's method is wrong, as long as you reach your desired end result.

 

[kicks]

Also when the trichomes turn amber the THC degrades into CBN, not CBD. However you are right about the THC:CBD ratio!

From 420magazine:
CBN (Cannabinol) is produced as THC ages and breaks down, this process is known as oxidization. High levels of CBN tend to make the user feel messed up rather than high.
CBN levels can be kept to a minimum by storing cannabis products in a dark, cool, airtight environment. Marijuana should be dry prior to storage, and may have to be dried again after being stored somewhere that is humid.

So that happens white putting ur plant in dark while also tricking it into dieing so that it goes to its last breath.

On the other hand:

CBD (Cannabidiol) increases some of the effects of THC and decreases other effects of THC. High levels of THC and low levels of CBD contribute to a strong, clear headed, more energetic high.

Cannabis that has a high level of both THC and CBD will produce a strong head-stone that feels almost dreamlike. Cannabis that has low levels of THC and high levels of CBD produces more of a buzz or stoned feeling.

 

[kicks]

From Well Known Member @ Rollitup.com
"go research trich colors. the chronological order of trichome color and effect is 1. Translucent - Non-psychoactive, 2. Cloudy - Cerebral/Hallucinogenic 3. Amber - Body/Couch-Lock, 4. Dark Red/Brown - Degrading THC."

 

[Muddy]

From Well Known Member @ Rollitup.com
"go research trich colors. the chronological order of trichome color and effect is 1. Translucent - Non-psychoactive, 2. Cloudy - Cerebral/Hallucinogenic 3. Amber - Body/Couch-Lock, 4. Dark Red/Brown - Degrading THC."

Don't want to seem like I'm picking on you, but again that is information that works well for photos but not for autos. Not all auto strains will show amber, so going by tric color isn't always the best way to judge when they are ready or what kind of high/stone you will get from them. It's not unusual for have autos that are 12 or 13 weeks old and showing every sign that they are finished, yet they show no amber at all.

 

[evol]

very true Muddy. I harvest my photos with only 3% amber but have to keep a closer eye on the autos because if I wait for amber it doesnt happen sometimes and I end up with buds that knock me out. I go by bud structure and leaf yellowing now.

 

[Larky.Derry]

Don't want to seem like I'm picking on you, but again that is information that works well for photos but not for autos. Not all auto strains will show amber, so going by tric color isn't always the best way to judge when they are ready or what kind of high/stone you will get from them. It's not unusual for have autos that are 12 or 13 weeks old and showing every sign that they are finished, yet they show no amber at all.

i will second that, i just harvested a candy kush from auto seeds and there was no amber trics at all. the effect iam having from it you would at least have expected 50/50 amber/cloudy trics. she went with 75 days with feeding and a 10 day flush so 85 days total.

 

[North_of_45]

The definitive book on autos has yet to be written. As we've learned and are continuing to learn,

I disagree, I think you have it pretty well covered in your posts Muddy, Ya just gotta get them published....:grat:

 

[Dazed]

There is aways something to learn from any kind of plant, what works one grow is not forced to work for the next, esp with canna and the amount of new strains and crosses being created every year.

Isn't this what makes growing anything fun and a constant learning curve?

I think what most are trying to get at here Kicks, is that don't believe one thing and stick to it, be open to new methods and respect what has worked for one may not work for another. I haven't grown a photoperiod yet, but I know that I don't count on just trichs on when to harvest buddy, but that's just me.

We are hearing your advice and hey, I'm listening and thinking about how my last grow performed in colder temps towards the end than my current so that must be a good thing, thanks!

Cool thread,

Dazed..

:Sharing One:

 

[Chester]

Is there any validity to ... "It's better to harvest before the lights come on"... :tiphat:

Thanks for letting me hi-jack this thread ... :Hookah: