🌿 Harvesting Overview
When to Harvest
Energetic Harvest
Harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with very few amber. Provides cerebral, uplifting effects perfect for daytime use.
Balanced Harvest
Harvest when you have a mix of cloudy and amber trichomes. Provides both mental and physical effects.
Relaxed Harvest
Harvest when more trichomes have turned amber. Provides sedative, body-focused effects ideal for evening use.
Step-by-Step Harvesting
Pre-Harvest Preparation
Prepare your workspace and gather all necessary tools before beginning the harvest.
Malta Tip: Early morning harvest preserves terpenes better than midday heat!
Trichome Inspection
Use magnification to examine trichomes and determine harvest readiness.
Drag the magnifier over the image to inspect trichomes
Cutting Techniques
Choose between whole plant or branch-by-branch harvesting methods.
Whole Plant Method
- Cut main stem at base
- Hang entire plant upside down
- Best for: Small plants, even ripening
Branch Method
- Cut individual branches
- More control over drying
- Best for: Large plants, progressive harvest
Trimming Options
Decide between wet trimming (immediately) or dry trimming (after drying).
✓ Easier to see leaves
✓ Less space needed
✓ Lower mold risk in humidity
✓ Better terpene preservation
✓ Slower, controlled drying
✓ Less sticky to handle
✗ Can dry too fast
✗ More trichome loss
✗ Very sticky process
✗ Harder to trim closely
✗ More drying space needed
✗ Higher mold risk if humid
🇲🇹 Malta Recommendation
Winter (Oct-Mar): Wet trim to reduce mold risk
Summer (Apr-Sep): Dry trim for better flavor
🏺 Curing Overview
Curing Jar Monitor
Interactive demo showing how humidity changes during curing. Try the buttons!
Curing Schedule
Week 1: Critical Period
Daily burping is essential during the first week to prevent mold and redistribute moisture.
Week 2-3: Stabilization
Reduce burping to every 2-3 days as moisture stabilizes and aroma develops.
Week 4+: Long-term Curing
Weekly burping is sufficient. Cannabis continues to improve for months!
Quality Development Over Time
While cannabis is smokable after 2 weeks, extending cure time dramatically improves quality!
Long-term Storage
Temperature
15-21°C (60-70°F)
Consistent temps prevent degradation
Humidity
58-62% RH
Use humidity packs for consistency
Light
Complete darkness
UV light degrades cannabinoids
Container
Airtight glass
Mason jars work perfectly
Common Issues & Solutions
Mold During Drying
Signs: White fuzzy growth, musty smell
Cause: Humidity too high (>60%)
Solution: Increase airflow, add dehumidifier, remove affected buds immediately
Never consume moldy cannabis - serious health risk!
Overdried Cannabis
Signs: Crumbly buds, harsh smoke
Cause: Too much airflow or low humidity
Solution: Add 62% humidity pack, or briefly add orange peel (monitor closely!)
Hay Smell
Signs: Grassy/hay smell instead of cannabis aroma
Cause: Dried too quickly, chlorophyll trapped
Solution: Continue curing for 4-8 weeks, some improvement possible
🇲🇹 Malta Climate Considerations
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Challenge: High temps can dry too fast
Solution: Use coolest room, consider AC for drying room
Tip: Dry trim recommended for slower drying
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Challenge: High humidity increases mold risk
Solution: Dehumidifier essential, wet trim safer
Tip: Check daily for any mold signs
Where to Find Supplies in Malta
- Jars: Any supermarket (preserving jars work great)
- Hygrometers: Hardware stores in Qormi, B'Kara
- Humidity packs: Order online or check vape shops in St. Julian's
- Trimming scissors: Garden centers or order quality ones online