When is the best time to harvest cannabis outdoors? Tips on the best time to harvest outdoors

The optimal time to harvest cannabis outdoors

If you grow cannabis outdoors, you probably already know that it's all about timing. But how exactly do you find the perfect moment to harvest your plants? That's a question many growers ask themselves, and the answer can mean the difference between a Wow-Ergebnis and a disappointing yield.

The right harvest time not only determines the quantity of your yield, but also the quality. It's all about the perfect balance between potency, flavour and effects - and it all depends on how well you keep an eye on your plants . In this article, we'll take you by the hand and show you what to look out for: from the first signs of ripeness to the trichomes and the influence of the weather. In the end, you'll know exactly when to grab your plants and get the best out of them. Because at the end of the day, we all want one thing: a harvest that makes us proud.

Flowering time in outdoor cultivation: When to harvest cannabis?

The flowering period is the exciting moment that every outdoor cannabis grower looks forward to. But what exactly does the flowering time actually mean and why is it so crucial for the right harvest time?

As soon as the days get shorter, your cannabis plant will automatically start to flower. It's their way of telling you: "Hey, it's time to get ready for harvest!" The duration of the flowering period varies depending on the variety and this is where the differences between indica and sativa come into play.

Indica-Sorten are the sprinters among cannabis plants. They usually flower faster and generally take around 7 to 9 weeks to fully mature. This means that you need to pay attention to the harvest time earlier for indica plants.

Sativa-Sorten on the other hand, are the marathon runners. Their flowering time can extend to 10 to 12 weeks or even longer. They like to take a little longer, which requires a little more patience from you as a grower.

Why is this important? The time at which your plant flowers and matures ultimately determines the ideal harvest time. If you harvest too early, you risk the Flowers not being fully mature and not being able to develop their full potency. If you harvest too late, you may lose quality, flavour and effects.

The trick is to recognise exactly the right moment to get the best out of your plants. In the following sections, you will learn how to recognise this moment - and why it is worth paying attention to it.

Trichomes as an indicator: harvest cannabis correctly

When it comes to determining the perfect harvest time for your outdoor cannabis, the trichomes are your best friends. These tiny, resinous glands on the Flowers are more than just pretty crystals - they are the key to a successful harvest.

But how do you check the Trichome right? Firstly, you need a small tool: a magnifying glass or, even better, a pocket microscope. Take a close look at the trichomes - they resemble small mushrooms with a spherical tip. The condition of these trichomes will give you a direct indication of when your plant is ready for harvest.

The colour of the trichomes tells you everything you need to know:

Clear trichomes Your plant is not ready yet. At this stage, the cannabinoids are not yet fully developed and harvesting would result in a less potent yield.

Milky trichomes Now it gets interesting. When most of the trichomes are milky, your plant has reached the peak of its potency. This is the optimal time for an energised, cerebral effects .

Amber-coloured trichomes These indicate advanced maturity. When the trichomes begin to take on an amber colour, this means that the THC content is decreasing and the effects is becoming increasingly relaxing and physical.

Why are the trichomes the most important factor for the harvest? Quite simply, they contain the valuable cannabinoids and terpenes that are responsible for the potency, flavour and effects of your harvest. A close observation of the trichomes allows you to fine-tune the harvest time - depending on whether you are looking for an invigorating or relaxing effects.

By focusing on the trichomes, you can ensure that you realise the full potential of your plants. Because at the end of the day, it's all about getting the most out of your harvest - and the trichomes will show you the way.

Observe the pistils: When is outdoor cannabis ready for harvest?

In addition to the trichomes, the pistils are also an important indicator of when your outdoor cannabis is ready for harvest. These fine hairs, which protrude from the Flowers, undergo significant changes during the ripening period, which can tell you a lot about the condition of your plants.

What do the Blütenstempel about the degree of maturity? At the beginning of the flowering phase, the pistils are usually white and upright. This is a sign that the Flowers are still young and in full growth. Over time, however, these hairs begin to change colour - from white to orange, brown or even reddish. They also become increasingly darker and curl a little.

When around 70-90% of the pistils have changed colour this is a strong sign that your plant is ready for harvest. This means that the Flowers have reached their maximum maturity and the cannabinoids and terpenes are fully developed.

How do the pistils affect potency and flavour? The change in the pestles is closely linked to the maturation process of the Flowers. If you harvest too early, when the pistils are still predominantly white the result can be a less potent and aromatically immature Flowers. The cannabinoids have not yet developed their full potential, which can lead to a milder effects.

However, if you wait too long, when the pistils are already completely dark and retracted, the plant can start to become overripe. This can negatively affect the quality and flavour and make the effects less balanced - in some cases, the high will be rather sleepy and less clear.

Observing the pistils in combination with the trichomes will give you a precise indication of when the time is right to apply the scissors. By keeping an eye on both, you ensure that you realise the full potential of your harvest - both in terms of potency and flavour.

Influence of the weather: When is the best time to harvest cannabis outdoors?

When growing cannabis outdoors, the weather is a crucial factor that can influence the harvest time. Even if your plants are in perfect condition, Mother Nature can still have a say.

Which weather conditions are particularly important? Two of the biggest challenges of outdoor growing are frost and rain, especially as you approach the end of the growing season.

Frost : In many regions, harvest time starts towards the end of September or beginning of October - just at the time when the first frosty nights can occur. Frost can severely damage your plants by destroying the trichomes and causing the Flowers to freeze. This leads to a significant deterioration in quality and, in the worst case, can even render the entire harvest unusable. If frost is forecast, it is better to harvest a little earlier even if the plants are not yet fully mature.

Regen Heavy and persistent rain just before harvest can also be devastating. Wet Flowers are susceptible to mould and rot, which is particularly annoying when the plants are actually ready for harvest. If you expect a lot of rain it is better to bring the harvest forward to avoid mould growth. Harvesting too late in wet weather can ruin all your hard work.

How does the weather affect the quality of the harvest? The weather not only determines when you should harvest, but also how high quality your harvest will be. Cool temperatures can intensify the colours of your Flowers and boost terpene production which leads to a better flavour and aroma. On the other hand, too much moisture in the air or on the plants can lead to mould and inferior Flowers.

By keeping an eye on the weather and adjusting your harvest accordingly, you can maximise the yield and quality of your outdoor cannabis plants. The best time to harvest is when the weather is stable and you can minimise the risk of frost and rain. This means you need to be flexible and ready to react quickly if the weather conditions change.

Regional differences: When to harvest outdoor cannabis in Germany?

The climate plays a decisive role in the outdoor cultivation of cannabis in Germany. Depending on the region and weather conditions, the optimum harvest time can vary considerably. Germany is climatically diverse and this influences when and how you should harvest your plants.

Special features of the climate in Germany

In Germany, climatic conditions vary from north to south and from west to east. In the north and west, summers tend to be cooler and wetter, while the south and east are often warmer and drier. These differences directly influence the cultivation and harvest time of cannabis.

Norddeutschland In northern regions, summers are often shorter and cooler. Here it is particularly important to choose early-flowering varieties to ensure that the plants are ripe before the first frost. Harvest time is often between the end of September and the beginning of October . Pay particular attention to the weather forecast here, as frost and rain can set in early.

Süddeutschland : In more southern regions such as Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg, summers are longer and warmer, which gives you a bit more room to manoeuvre. Here, the harvest season can last until mid-October sometimes even until the end of October if the weather remains mild. Nevertheless, watch out for the first risk of frost and make sure that the plants are not exposed to the risk of cold snaps for too long.

East and West Germany The centre of Germany often offers a good balance between the extreme weather conditions in the north and south. Here you can typically enjoy a Harvest time from the beginning to the middle of October can be expected. However, it is important to keep an eye on the weather, as heavy rainfall or sudden frost can occur.

Regional tips for a successful harvest

To determine the best time to harvest, you should know the specific climatic conditions in your region. Here are a few tips:

Wetterprognosen Rely on accurate weather reports and apps to help you keep track of weather developments. This way you can react in good time if bad weather is on the horizon.

Sortenwahl : Choose varieties that are well adapted to the climatic conditions of your region. Early-flowering or robust varieties are particularly suitable for regions with shorter summers.

Erntefenster Plan a flexible harvest window that allows you to harvest earlier or later, depending on how the weather develops. Sometimes it is better to harvest a slightly underripe plant than risk losing the entire crop.

By taking regional differences and the local climate into account, you can determine the ideal harvest time for your outdoor cannabis in Germany and thus get the best out of your harvest.