Increasing trichome production, or trichome farming, is a concept driven by two main principles: trichome proliferation and preservation. Trichomes are the small, translucent, sparkly glands that provide that glittery effect to the buds on cannabis. Trichomes serve many purposes, they protect the buds, and they produce the cannabinoids including THC and CBD that provide the unique mental and body effects for that cannabis plant.
It is important to understand the stages of trichome production and to always handle your plants with care, although the philosophy of trichome farming is a mantra that must be practiced throughout every step of cannabis production. The highest quality of cannabis is produced when trichome preservation and proliferation are practiced throughout the entire grow cycle:
- Quality seed genetics
- Breeding
- Growing
- Harvesting
- Extracting
- Curing cannabis
Selective breeding and acquisition of certain cannabis genotypes that express high desirable concentrations of trichomes build a foundation for increasing trichome production.
The Stages of Trichome Development                                Â
All trichomes go through several stages of development during production on the cannabis plant. The three main stages include:
- Clear – young trichomes are clear and not yet filled with cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Milky or cloudy – the overall potency and yield continues to develop during this stage. When about half of the trichomes have turned cloudy white they have not yet reached their peak potency. When all trichomes turn from clear to a cloudy or milky white, they will produce the greatest mental, psychoactive effects with peak levels of THC.
- Amber – trichomes will start to oxidize and turn to an amber color, this is a sign that the THC will decrease, and the buds will provide more of a relaxation or a body high. When most of the trichomes are a good mix of milky and some amber, about 20 to 30%, this is a good mix of mental and body effects and means you are reaching the end of your harvest window.
You should always use a magnifying glass when evaluating your trichomes to know exactly what stage they are in. Some strains like some Sativas may not even change from milky to amber. When most of the trichomes have changed from thin and clear to wide and milky white, it is a good time to harvest even without seeing a change to amber.
Watching your trichome stages is critical to know when to harvest. Be sure to not touch the trichomes when handling your plants as they are very delicate and will burst on contact. Use extreme care when handling the colas.
Grow Habitat and Environment to Increase Trichome Production
In addition to starting with quality seed genetics, and identifying the trichome stages, another important consideration to increase trichome production is the grow habitat. Environmental influences greatly impact the production of cannabinoids and terpenes that occur in the head of the trichome during the bloom cycle. Of the many variables that impact trichome production, some of the most important include:
- Airflow
- Humidity
- Temperature
- Watering cycles
- Nutrient uptake
- Light spectrum
Using the right type and amount of lighting is the most effective way to increase the production of trichomes. Since trichomes protect the cannabis plant from the sun’s harmful UV rays, the more light and spectrums of light provided, the more resin your plant will produce. Keeping your temperature around 78°F (26°C) with a humidity level around 30 to 40% for the last few weeks before harvest will help to protect trichomes from heat damage for a better tasting and more potent flower.
Harvesting For Cannabis Trichome Preservation
Harvesting at the right time is crucial for trichome preservation. Be sure that you can see the trichomes clearly and up close with a magnifying glass, you can also take pictures and zoom in if you have a quality camera. Learn more about when to harvest cannabis and remember to always start with quality cannabis seed genetics and handle cannabis plants with care.
Mosca Seeds specializes in the best growing practices and high quality cannabis seed genetics to produce the highest in quality cannabis seeds. We are committed to attention to detail at every growth stage to yield premier marijuana seeds. Check out our many selections of quality seeds in your favorite strains and new exciting drops, feminized, auto flowers or regular seeds delivered right to your do