Dark period before harvest?

[Guest]

I've heard many growers turning the lights off for the last two days before harvest, sometimes longer, particularly with the white strains.

Is this hogwash? Seems to me that would be an invitation for a moldfest.

If not, what benefits are gained? Sould I try this with my sensi skunk?

Thanks!

Almost done, day 40 shown, im on 47. Sensi rates 'em 45-50 days.

 

[bartender187]

I have not noticed any added benefit... Left girls in the dark for 12hrs/24hrs/48hrs/72hrs.... I no longer do it.

 

[Crazy Composer]

I notice a major difference between harvesting during the light hours and the dark hours. A plant harvested during the day hours will have more sugar and starch in it. On the other hand, leaving a plant in the dark for too long can give the plant a bad taste too.

What I find to be best is to harvest in the morning, after the usual 12 hours of dark, JUST before lights come on. This gives the plant it's normal night of sleep. During the dark cycle, the plant will move sugars and starches (created during the light cycle) down into the root system. Once the lights come back on, the sugars, starches, and nutrients will begin to move back into the leaves and buds. NOT the best time to harvest, as this traps the sugars, starch and nutes in the buds. These things are fire retardants, and will greatly reduce your quality.

I've tried leaving a plant in the dark for several days. The result wasn't nice. After a while, the plant will move water and nutes back up into the plant, even if the lights are off. They need to drink something eventually, even without light.

So my advice, harvest in the morning just before lights come on. The herb tastes best that way, in my opinion.

 

[Guest]

I have been interested in this too because I have seen different theories and have some for myself.

 

[514-Represent]

I notice a major difference between harvesting during the light hours and the dark hours. A plant harvested during the day hours will have more sugar and starch in it. On the other hand, leaving a plant in the dark for too long can give the plant a bad taste too.

What I find to be best is to harvest in the morning, after the usual 12 hours of dark, JUST before lights come on. This gives the plant it's normal night of sleep. During the dark cycle, the plant will move sugars and starches (created during the light cycle) down into the root system. Once the lights come back on, the sugars, starches, and nutrients will begin to move back into the leaves and buds. NOT the best time to harvest, as this traps the sugars, starch and nutes in the buds. These things are fire retardants, and will greatly reduce your quality.

I've tried leaving a plant in the dark for several days. The result wasn't nice. After a while, the plant will move water and nutes back up into the plant, even if the lights are off. They need to drink something eventually, even without light.

So my advice, harvest in the morning just before lights come on. The herb tastes best that way, in my opinion.

Great post thank you for sharing mate.

 

[Erin Kerrik]

Nay-sayer here:

The benefits of long period of dark, I figure, would certainly be a longer period of slow cure - and letting the H20 out slowly is pretty much accepted as a must-do if one has a concern about harshness/smoothness.

 

[Dan42nepa]

I think it was in feb high times in the question and answer section, rosenthol mentions a study done in the 70's by a Dr Carlton. He found THC levels at the highest just before dawn. Rosenthal surmises that 24-36 period of darkness would increase the THC levels more than 12 hours. I just try and harvest mine an hour or two before the lights come on. I am already using two rooms.. I cant afford a dark room also.

 

[bartender187]

I notice a major difference between harvesting during the light hours and the dark hours. A plant harvested during the day hours will have more sugar and starch in it. On the other hand, leaving a plant in the dark for too long can give the plant a bad taste too.

What I find to be best is to harvest in the morning, after the usual 12 hours of dark, JUST before lights come on. This gives the plant it's normal night of sleep. During the dark cycle, the plant will move sugars and starches (created during the light cycle) down into the root system. Once the lights come back on, the sugars, starches, and nutrients will begin to move back into the leaves and buds. NOT the best time to harvest, as this traps the sugars, starch and nutes in the buds. These things are fire retardants, and will greatly reduce your quality.

I've tried leaving a plant in the dark for several days. The result wasn't nice. After a while, the plant will move water and nutes back up into the plant, even if the lights are off. They need to drink something eventually, even without light.

So my advice, harvest in the morning just before lights come on. The herb tastes best that way, in my opinion.

Yah good post CC. Ide like to clarify , I no longer leave them in the dark for a additional hours, but I still harvest them in the morning as to CC's reccomendations.

 

[Guest]

Ahh, harvesting in the morning makes sense. Thanks for all your informative posts folks!

 

[suckerrepellent]

ill preface this by saying this is what i HEARD:

when the plants are left in the dark for a couple days, it tricks the plant into thinking that the winter cycle is fast approaching. as a reaction, it pumps its resin glands as much as possible to increase the chances of getting fertilized. perhaps some sort of emergency mechanism. this made sense to me so i started doing it. ive done two days of dark on all plants so i couldn't tell you how they compare.

 

[skar]

Hi,

Usually this process is used for 8 days minimum, 10 days are ideal. Under, that doesn't work.

We use this method which one call "forcing" with tomatoes and some fruits too, but for the same time, minimum 8 dayz, 10 dayz ideal.

That also makes it possible the plant to stop or slow down the production of chlorophyle, which is good for us who search fine smell & taste. Obviously to sprinkle with clear water is to advise during this period.

But be carefull, mold love the climate which reigns for this period, therefore not to hesitate over ventilation.

I hope you understand me with my "babelfish" + schooly english...

take care

++

 

[Guest]

Ten days in solid darkness? Sounds scary.

Was thinking about a little modification of the theory behind this, which makes sense to me. How about before harvest start cutting down the light period gradually by an hour or so every couple days? Anyone experimented with this?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

 

[Berry_Coughin']

I went from 12/12 to 11/13 to 10/14 being light/dark, and I honestly didn't think my buds got as tight as if I would've just left 'em alone..... kinda airy... no schematic to the cycle change... probably a few weeks between switching.... all in the same run.....

 

[Berry_Coughin']

aaaaaaaaaaaah there now I'm 667 whew!!

 

[skar]

Hi,

sgt.stedenco> yess, 10 dayz in darkness. I go in my room with a special green bulb, that doesn't stress the plant, and make me possible to get an eye on my plants.

But without option to see hem, i surely wouldn't do that.

++

 

[Guest]

I do the 48-72 hour darkness out of necessity for the most part,noly 24 hours in a day..I've noticed nothing zero zilch.I have noticed however its best to fully hydrate your plants hours or the night before the chop,this will result in a longer,slower drying period.If'n you're in a hurry chop that puppy with the medium dry