The Trichomes are Whispering, But What Are They Saying?

[YYCannabis]

For those who have watched French Cannoli’s in-depth video series on hash making, there is a moment when he talks about compact buds vs airy loose buds. His theory on tight, compact buds is that they produce lower quantity of THC since there is not enough surface area to express the glands. This totally makes sense to me, but I’m still a junior gardener.

I’m wondering if those with a great deal of experience, and experimentation, agree with Cannoli that loose buds provide more gland expression?

[SoOrbudgal]

This is my plan also for my indoor. I allow this to happen for the outdoor why not for indoor? But what about possible hermi or seed production?

[JohnEmad]

I understand that flower and trichome ripeness is both subjective and objective, based on personal experience, likes/ dislikes, strain type etc.

For instance Frenchy Cannoli is interested in mainly Indica strains for making hash only and has found that very ripe trichs are best for his uses.
Most people probably do not make hash so their desired maturity is not going to be the same as Frenchy's.
I have a few plants almost ready to go into flower and will do the same comparison. Letting one go as far as it will to get those 50% plus amber and opaque trichs while harvesting one at 10 to 15% amber as I have learned meets my needs/wants.
Glad this has sparked some interest.

[grouchyoldman]

9fingerleafs, that is a *very* interesting perspective and you surely have a point as well as a lot of experience. Nice pics by the way!

The prevailing dogma is all about Trichomes, How do you prioritize those other factors? How do you weigh them in making the call?

The decision just seems too important for guesswork!

[grouchyoldman]

I think I've got the picture attachment process dialed now, here are a couple more from today. Making progress.

[9fingerleafs]

i love that you guys are into trichomes but i have to say something, everybody focuses on the trichomes and never actually learn about the whole ripening process, how calyxes swell, the angle of the leaves, how hard the buds feel, how developed are the lower buds, lots of signs of maturity are overlooked. trichomes can oxidize for a number of reasons and its not the main maturity indicator until every other aspect of maturity checks out, there are plants that have amber trichomes before they actually finish swelling and producing cannabinoids and terpenes. its just my opinion, but i harvest at least 100 plants a year for the past couple of years so believe me when i say there are more important things to focus on

[9fingerleafs]

for comparison i grew green crack right beside for 3 weeks longer

[9fingerleafs]

here are the pics from the mexican brickweed that had yellow trichomes

[SoOrbudgal]

Great shots grouchyoldman this is ONE of the hardest parts for a home grower. The more i look the more i can tell the changes. I only wish the eye pieces were larger, my eyes are getting to the point i think i may need a assit. to judge LOL.

[9fingerleafs]

I do. One plant from a couple of years ago only produced yellow/ámbar trichomes. Every single one. Give me a moment to find the pic.

[grouchyoldman]

Thanks Poppa, I posted them again using the "Attachments" button in the light blue area at the top. Go figger!

[grouchyoldman]

Second try on the pictures.... Looks like that worked!

[Poppa]

I always just click the camera at the top to load pictures it drops down a second way to load them and the click the upload. This gives the type of pictures you can flip through.

[grouchyoldman]

Dammit! I have been fussing with trying to load pics for days now! I used the "Attachment" button when I created the posting, this time I'll try the little Camera button.

I really want to create one of those GWE "Picture albums" so you can flip from one to the other and enlarge them for a really good look; Anyone with help is welcome to PM me. *sighs*

[Farmbuck]

Somehow Grouchy I can't see your pics.