While our CBG dominant varieties grow just like any other cannabis plant, there are a few aspects to take note of as the growing season comes to a close. When and how you harvest are important factors to ensure a successful crop.
Our CBG seed varieties all produce relatively large flowers. Stem Cell CBG Seedless and White CBG Seedless take top awards for the most dense, but all 6 of our offerings can throw down some big buds. This is great for production, but it also comes with risks.
Pests and Pathogens
Keep a close eye on plants throughout flower as it is when plants are at the greatest risk for disease and pests.
Caterpillars such as corn ear worms have known to do more damage to CBG varieties than to others. Worms burrow into the flowers and leave trails of feces that invite botrytis growth. Damage is visible by dead leaves and brown rot spots on an otherwise healthy flower. Some farmers choose to treat with biologicals such as bacillus thuringiensis which can combat populations but requires regular treatments.
Powdery mildew also known to inhabit our CBG varieties more regularly than others - particularly in the North Eastern US. There are several species of the scourge and once a population is established its hard to remove. There are biological treatments but they are recommended to use as preventatives and less effective after an outbreak.
When to Harvest
CBG trichomes never change from milky to amber, which is different than other cannabis plants. We recommend harvesting when at least 60% of the hairs have naturally changed from white to brown, and when most of the crystals are milky. Flowers should be filled in and at peak density.
That said, earlier can be better for harvest. From our research CBG varieties put on much of their content in weeks 6-7 of flower and do not need to be left out as late as possible for good numbers. Plant health also tends to degrade very quickly after maturity which leaves flowers vulnerable to pathogens such as botrytis. Keep a close eye on your crop and if plants do develop botrytis it may be time to harvest.
How to Harvest
CBG trichomes are notably less sticky than CBD and THC. While flowers generally become completely coated in crystals, they fall off the flowers much easier. Hand harvesting with care is recommended to keep content as high as possible. Field drying and combine harvesting results are generally very poor. If you use a trim machine post harvest, expect a large amount of kief to be left behind.
