What are trichomes?
Trichomes are small hair-like structures found on the surface of plants, including leaves, stems, and flowers. They are composed of a single epidermal cell and are covered by a cuticle, a protective layer that helps to prevent water loss and damage from environmental stressors.
Trichomes serve various functions in plants, including deterring herbivores through the production of chemical compounds that are toxic or unpleasant-tasting, attracting pollinators, and providing shade to lower leaves.
They also play a role in the production and storage of essential oils, fragrances, and resins that are used in a variety of applications, including perfumes, flavorings, and medicinal products.
Some species of plants, such as Cannabis, are known for their highly developed trichomes, which produce the psychoactive compounds that give the plant its distinctive properties.
Why is “good” stress important for trichome production?
“Good” stress, also known as environmental stress, can play an important role in increasing trichome production in some plant species. Environmental stressors, such as changes in temperature, light intensity, water availability, and nutrient levels, can trigger a defensive response in the plant and stimulate the production of trichomes.
This is thought to be an adaptive response to protect the plant against herbivores, pathogens, and other environmental threats.
The increased production of trichomes can also lead to an increase in the production of essential oils, fragrances, and other secondary metabolites that are stored within the trichomes. These compounds can be used by the plant to deter herbivores and attract pollinators, or they may have medicinal or other useful properties.
It is important to note that not all plant species respond to environmental stress in the same way, and the effects of stress on trichome production can vary depending on the species and the type of stressor involved.
Additionally, excessive stress can have negative effects on plant growth and development, so it is important to manage stress levels carefully to ensure optimal production of trichome.
During the vegetative phase
Trichome production in plants can vary depending on several factors, including the stage of growth, the species of plant, and the environment. During the vegetative phase of growth, trichome production is typically lower compared to the flowering phase.
However, this can vary depending on the species of plant and the environmental conditions.
In some plant species, trichome production may increase in response to environmental stressors during the vegetative stage. For example, changes in temperature, light intensity, water availability, and nutrient levels can trigger a defensive response in the plant and stimulate the production of trichomes.
This is thought to be an adaptive response to protect the plant against herbivores, pathogens, and other environmental threats.
In other plant species, trichome production may remain relatively constant during the vegetative phase, regardless of environmental conditions. In these species, trichome production may be primarily regulated by genetic factors, rather than environmental stressors.
It is important to note that trichome production in plants is a complex process that is influenced by a variety of factors. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved in trichome production and how they are regulated during the vegetative phase of growth.
Try stress-training cannabis plants
Stress-training is a technique that can be used to increase trichome production in cannabis plants during the vegetative phase. The technique involves exposing the plants to controlled levels of stress, such as bending or topping the stems, reducing the light exposure, or adjusting the nutrient levels, in order to stimulate the plant’s defensive response.
This response triggers the production of trichomes and can result in an increase in the overall yield of essential oils, fragrances, and other secondary metabolites that are stored within the trichomes.
Stress-training is a simple and effective way to increase trichome production in cannabis plants, and it can be easily incorporated into the growing process. However, it is important to note that stress-training should be approached with caution, as excessive stress can have negative effects on plant growth and development. It is important to monitor the plants closely and adjust the stress levels as needed to ensure optimal results.
Additionally, stress-training is not suitable for all cannabis strains, as some strains may be more sensitive to stress than others. It is important to choose a strain that is known to respond well to stress-training, and to consult with a knowledgeable grower or horticulturist to determine the best approach for your specific growing conditions.
Start of the flowering period
The start of the flowering period is typically associated with a significant increase in trichome production in many plant species, including cannabis. During the flowering stage, the plant’s focus shifts from vegetative growth to reproductive growth, and the production of trichomes increases as a result.
The increased trichome production during the flowering phase is thought to serve several purposes, including deterring herbivores, attracting pollinators, and providing shade to lower leaves. Additionally, the increased production of trichomes leads to an increase in the production of essential oils, fragrances, and other secondary metabolites that are stored within the trichomes.
These compounds can be used by the plant to deter herbivores and attract pollinators, or they may have medicinal or other useful properties.
It is important to note that trichome production can vary depending on several factors, including the species of plant, the growing conditions, and the genetics of the plant. Additionally, trichome production can be influenced by environmental stressors, such as changes in temperature, light intensity, water availability, and nutrient levels.
By monitoring the growing conditions and adjusting them as needed, growers can optimize trichome production and increase the overall yield of essential oils and other desirable compounds.
Trichome-boosting supplements
Trichome-boosting supplements, also known as flowering boosters, can be used to increase trichome production in plants during the flowering phase. These supplements are formulated to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients and hormones to promote trichome growth and increase the overall yield of essential oils, fragrances, and other secondary metabolites that are stored within the trichomes.
Trichome-boosting supplements are typically added to the nutrient solution during the flowering phase of growth and are designed to complement the regular nutrient regimen. They may contain a combination of micronutrients, amino acids, vitamins, and plant hormones, such as gibberellins and cytokinins, that are known to promote trichome production.
It is important to note that not all trichome-boosting supplements are created equal, and the quality and effectiveness of these products can vary greatly. It is important to choose a reputable brand and to follow the instructions carefully to ensure optimal results.
Additionally, it is important to monitor the plants closely and adjust the supplement regimen as needed to ensure that the plants receive the right balance of nutrients and hormones to promote trichome production.
Use extra-bright lights
Bright lights can play an important role in increasing trichome production in plants during the flowering phase. By providing the plants with high levels of light, growers can promote trichome growth and increase the overall yield of essential oils, fragrances, and other secondary metabolites that are stored within the trichomes.
Extra-bright lights, such as high-intensity discharge (HID) lights or LED lights, can be used to provide the plants with the high levels of light that are needed to promote trichome production.
These lights are designed to emit a high level of usable light that can penetrate deep into the canopy, providing the lower leaves with the light energy that they need to promote trichome growth.
It is important to note that the type and intensity of light can have a significant impact on trichome production, and it is important to choose a light that is appropriate for the species of plant and the stage of growth.
Additionally, it is important to monitor the light levels closely and adjust the light regimen as needed to ensure that the plants receive the right balance of light energy to promote optimal trichome production.
2–3 weeks before harvest
Trichome production in plants typically reaches its peak 2-3 weeks before harvest. During this time, the plant’s focus is on the production of essential oils, fragrances, and other secondary metabolites that are stored within the trichomes.
This is the stage when the plant is at its most mature and the trichomes are at their fullest and most potent.
It is important to note that the exact timing of peak trichome production can vary depending on several factors, including the species of plant, the growing conditions, and the genetics of the plant.
By monitoring the trichomes closely and harvesting the plants at the right time, growers can ensure that they are able to capture the maximum yield of essential oils and other desirable compounds.
Supplement with UV-B light
Supplementing with UV-B light 2-3 weeks before harvest can be a useful technique for increasing trichome production in some plant species, including cannabis. UV-B light is a type of ultraviolet light that is known to stimulate the production of trichomes in plants.
By exposing the plants to controlled levels of UV-B light during the final stages of growth, growers can promote the production of trichomes and increase the overall yield of essential oils, fragrances, and other secondary metabolites that are stored within the trichomes.
UV-B light can be added to the growing environment using special UV-B lamps or by incorporating UV-B light-emitting diodes (LEDs) into the grow light system. It is important to choose a UV-B lamp or LED that is specifically designed for use in plant growth, as not all UV-B lights are suitable for this purpose.
It is important to approach the use of UV-B light with caution, as excessive exposure to UV-B light can have negative effects on plant growth and development. It is important to monitor the plants closely and adjust the UV-B light levels as needed to ensure that the plants receive the right balance of light energy to promote optimal trichome production.
Additionally, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable grower or horticulturist to determine the best approach for your specific growing conditions.
Alter humidity and temperature
Controlling the humidity and temperature during the final stages of growth, 2-3 weeks before harvest, can play an important role in increasing trichome production in plants, including cannabis.
By providing the plants with the right balance of humidity and temperature, growers can promote the production of trichomes and increase the overall yield of essential oils, fragrances, and other secondary metabolites that are stored within the trichomes.
Typically, a relative humidity of 50-60% and a temperature range of 68-77°F (20-25°C) are considered optimal for promoting trichome production in cannabis plants. Maintaining these conditions can help to reduce stress on the plants and promote optimal growth, leading to a higher yield of trichomes.
It is important to monitor the humidity and temperature levels closely and adjust them as needed to ensure that the plants receive the right balance of environmental conditions to promote trichome production.
Additionally, it is important to avoid exposing the plants to extreme temperatures or changes in humidity, as these can have negative effects on plant growth and trichome production. By taking these steps, growers can help to ensure that the plants reach their full potential and produce the maximum yield of trichomes.
7–10 days before harvest
The production of trichomes in plants, including cannabis, typically begins to decline 7-10 days before harvest. During this time, the trichomes start to degrade and the potency of the essential oils, fragrances, and other secondary metabolites that are stored within the trichomes begins to decrease.
It is important to monitor the trichomes closely during this period and to harvest the plants at the right time to ensure that the maximum yield of trichomes and other desirable compounds is captured. This can be done by observing the trichomes under a magnifying glass and looking for changes in color and transparency, which are indicators of maturity and readiness for harvest.
Flush cannabis plants to prevent nutrient lockout
Flushing cannabis plants 7-10 days before harvest can be an effective technique for preventing nutrient lockout and increasing trichome production. Nutrient lockout occurs when the plants are unable to absorb the nutrients in the soil due to a buildup of salts and other minerals.
This can lead to reduced trichome production and a decrease in the overall yield of essential oils, fragrances, and other secondary metabolites that are stored within the trichomes.
Flushing involves removing the excess salts and minerals from the soil by watering the plants with pure water. This helps to restore the balance of nutrients in the soil and prevent nutrient lockout, which can promote trichome production and increase the overall yield of desirable compounds.
It is important to approach flushing with caution, as over-flushing can remove too many nutrients from the soil and lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can have negative effects on plant growth and development.
Additionally, flushing too early can cause stress to the plants, which can also reduce trichome production. It is recommended to flush the plants 7-10 days before harvest to ensure that the plants have enough time to recover and produce the maximum yield of trichomes.
By following best practices for flushing and providing the plants with the right balance of nutrients, light, water, temperature, and humidity, growers can help to ensure that the plants reach their full potential and produce the maximum yield of trichomes and other desirable compounds.
48 hours before harvest
In the 48 hours before harvest, trichome production in plants, including cannabis, is typically in its final stages. At this point, the trichomes have reached their maximum size and potency, and the essential oils, fragrances, and other secondary metabolites that are stored within the trichomes are at their fullest and most mature.
It is important to handle the plants carefully during this period to avoid damaging the trichomes. This can be accomplished by avoiding rough handling, using gentle pruning techniques, and avoiding exposure to harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme heat or cold.
By taking these steps, growers can help to ensure that the plants are able to reach their full potential and produce the maximum yield of trichomes and other desirable compounds.
What trichomes look like when they’re ready
Trichomes are the tiny, hair-like structures that cover the surfaces of some plant leaves, stems, and buds. When trichomes are ready, they can appear as small, translucent, pear-shaped structures with a rounded head and a thin stalk.
As the trichomes mature, the heads can change color, becoming cloudy or opaque, and the potency of the essential oils, fragrances, and other secondary metabolites that are stored within the trichomes can increase.
To determine when trichomes are ready, growers typically use a magnifying glass to observe the trichomes and look for changes in color and transparency. In cannabis plants, for example, the trichomes can start out clear and become cloudy as they mature, indicating that the plant is ready for harvest.
When the trichomes are mostly cloudy or opaque, it is typically an indication that the plant has reached its maximum potency and is ready for harvest.
Have you got your cannabis seeds ready to germinate?
If you want to know how to grow your cannabis from seeds, United Seeds is the place to go.
