I’ll give you a detailed blog introduction paragraph.
White hairs on cannabis plants are normal and will not turn red. However, if you want to get rid of the white hairs before your buds grow, there are a few options. You can use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which will kill the hair follicle and make it fall out. Or you can just trim them off with scissors.
When the pistils (hair) do not turn red, all of the hard work in producing cannabis seems to be in naught. This is because the change in color of the pistils is a strong sign of floral maturity.
At the start of the blooming cycle, the color of the pistils remains white. Later, the color shifts from white to yellow, orange, and reddish-brown.
So, what should you do if your cannabis white hairs don’t become red?
Check the trichomes on buds if your cannabis white hairs aren’t becoming red. When there are 70% hazy trichomes, the THC content is at its highest. Excessive sun exposure, as well as a PH imbalance, may cause it.
There are additional markers, in addition to the color of the cannabis hair, that indicate when they are ready to harvest. Don’t be concerned. We’ll go through them in depth, as well as why white hair doesn’t become red in the first place.
So, what do you have to lose? Let’s get started!
What Causes Cannabis Hair to Turn Red?
When cannabis hair becomes red, it means the plant is ready to harvest. This is a result of natural causes. The hairs are initially white. They gradually become yellow, orange, then crimson. Finally, they have a brown hue to them. It’s time to harvest after 70 percent to 90 percent of the hairs have become brown.
You may be wondering what the term “cannabis hairs” means.
Cannabis hair is made up of stigmas that emerge from the pistils. The female sex organs of the cannabis plant are called pistils. Male cannabis plants provide pollen to these stigmas. They get pollinated once they come into touch.
Cannabis hair changes color as it progresses through the blooming process. In the past, people judged harvest time based on the color and growth of cannabis. However, there are now more effective methods available.
Is Cannabis Hair That Doesn’t Turn Red a Problem?
If cannabis hair does not become red, it is partly a problem. That’s because reddened hair signifies that the plants are ready to be harvested. This is a significant impediment to generating one pound of indoor plants.
However, trichomes should be examined if you want the greatest outcomes. THC levels in cannabis are at their highest when the trichomes become hazy.
Perhaps you’re wondering why trichomes are taken into account.
The flower’s appendages are known as trichomes. They are where cannabis’ cannabinoids and terpenes are stored. Initially, these trichomes are crystal white. THC hasn’t accumulated in the plants yet. When they get milky/cloudy, it means THC has reached its peak. THC has begun to breakdown when they become amber.
When cannabis hairs are 4-6 weeks into the blooming period, they are intended to change color. Actually, the number changes depending on the cannabis strain. The hairs of certain strains may not become red until 7 weeks after blooming. And in some cases, it happens rather quickly.
In the Northern Lights strain, for example, the hairs may become red in as little as 4-5 weeks. The hairs of the Afghan Kush strain, on the other hand, do not begin to turn red until 8-9 weeks.
As a result of nature’s provocation, the hairs change color. It’s nature’s way of signaling that the plants are ready to be harvested. However, this isn’t the only sign that the plant has reached maturity. Using a microscope to examine trichomes is a more effective technique to determine harvest time.
While the trichomes are hazy, you may harvest. Because THC is now at its highest level. Harvesting is recommended when there are more than 50% hazy trichomes.
If you harvest when the trichomes are hazy rather than amber, there will be a trade-off in yield and THC concentration. When it reaches 70% trichomes with a cloudy appearance, there’s an excellent balance of quality and yield. The remainder is starting to turn amber.
Why isn’t the hair on my cannabis plant becoming red?
You now know that hairs that do not turn red are extremely frequent. So you’re probably wondering what’s causing this widespread issue. Let’s take a closer look-
Excessive Light Exposure (Problem 1)
Excess Cannabis growth may be slowed by exposure to light. It occurs as a result of autoflowering and photoperiod cannabis strains.
Photoperiods and autoflowers are not the same thing. Seasonal changes may be detected using photoperiods. They go into blooming mode when the illumination changes somewhat. Autoflowers, on the other hand, are not light-dependent.
Autoflowers may occasionally operate like photoperiods in this situation.
As a result, decreasing the light intensity (HPS/LED) may actually speed up the blooming process. As a consequence, red hairs will become white hairs quicker. You may also turn down the HPS buzzing sound if it bothers you every time you water your plants.
You don’t need more than two grow lights if you have 6-12 plants in an indoor setting. In this scenario, two grow lights are sufficient. They come in two varieties: HPS and LED. Their wattage should be at least 200 watts.
Here’s what we think about cannabis grow lights:
Problem 2: Incorrect Watering Routine
When the plant reaches the blooming stage, it no longer requires daily watering. Watering too much might restrict oxygen uptake. It slows down the process of growth. The hairs remain white if the growing process is halted. They don’t start to turn a different hue.
In a vegetative state, it’s OK to water every day. They were in desperate need of water at the time. However, if you’re at the blossoming stage, don’t water them every day. Water them every two to three days. Also, while watering, be sure to wet the pot to a depth of 25-30% of its capacity.
Plants with an unbalanced pH level are the third issue.
For cannabis to grow, the PH level is critical. The plant’s growth may be hampered by a higher PH.
Cannabis has more micronutrients accessible when the PH is low (below 5). When it’s too high (more than 7.5 or 8), the plant isn’t getting enough macronutrients. This covers iron deficiency as well as a variety of other deficiencies. To prevent unpleasant surprises, you should check the PH levels on a regular basis.
You may now pick from a variety of fertilizers that provide critical macronutrients for cannabis. All of these fertilizers are distinct from one another and provide distinct advantages.
Growth is hampered when there are fewer nutrients available. Pistils do not change color as a consequence of this. They do, in fact, stay white for a long time.
2fast4buds.com is the source of this information.
Between 5.8 and 6.2 is the optimal PH range for a quick shift in pistil color. Maintain this PH range as much as possible.
Late Blooming / Flowering (Problem 4)
Varied cannabis species have different blooming times. There are certain strains with a blooming time of 6-7 weeks. There are other strains with blooming durations of more than 11 weeks. The longer the blooming time is, the longer the hairs will take to become red.
The blooming stage of Sativa dominant strains, for example, might take up to 12 weeks to finish. An Indica dominant strain, on the other hand, requires roughly 8 weeks. At the Conclusion of blooming seasons, the hairs become crimson.
As a result, you’ll need to know which strain you’re cultivating. Then, when the moment is perfect, wait. If the hairs aren’t turning red, don’t get frustrated. It may move at its own rate, depending on the tension.
What Happens If Your Cannabis Hair Turns a Different Color?
We already know that the varying hues of pistils reflect cannabis ripeness (hairs). They are white at the beginning. However, they eventually become yellow, orange, red, and ultimately brown. It’s ideal to harvest when there are 70% brown hairs, as a rule of thumb.
Changing Colors
Cannabis hair Changing Colors on top is the first indication that it’s closer to harvest. This happens when the plant is starting its floral maturity. The hairs turn yellow from being white in the beginning.
In an 8-week blooming strain, the hairs might stay white for 4-6 weeks throughout the flowering period. Remember that if the hairs have become yellow, the subsequent hues will almost certainly occur. They aren’t ready to be harvested yet. All you have to do now is wait for the brown ones to arrive.
Changing Colors
After leaves turn yellow, they gradually become darker with each passing day. There’s no definite time period after which yellow hairs will turn into orange ones. After 6 weeks in an 8-week flowering period strain, the hair can turn orange. There’s often a mixture of yellow and orange hairs. Changing Colors is the previous stage of turning red.
The best time to harvest is when there is a 60 percent mix of orange, red, brown, and yellow hairs. However, harvesting after 70% brown hairs is generally recommended.
Certain cannabis strains, on the other hand, have orange hair. Orange and light brown hairs show floral maturity in these cultivars. These are some of the strains:
Blue Dream, Strawberry Diesel, Blackberry Bubba Kush, Purple Urkle, and other strains are among the most popular.
Changing Colors
This is one of the most crucial phases in the development of cannabis. Cannabis is ready to harvest when the hairs turn brown. The color of the pistils, however, is not the only criterion that determines when cannabis should be harvested. Don’t forget to examine your trichomes as well; it’s a necessary!
But, for the time being, you should be content with seeing brown pistils. Between the final two weeks of blooming, the pistils become brown. It’s impossible to predict when anything will happen. So keep your eyes peeled.
The browning of the hairs might take even longer than the blooming stage in certain strains.
When at least 70% of the yellow/orange/red pistils have turned brown, it’s time to harvest.
When Cannabis Hairs Don’t Turn Red, Can I Harvest/What Should I Do?
The transformation of cannabis hair into different hues is a critical component. It’s recommended that you harvest after 70% of the hairs have become brown, followed red, orange, yellow, and white. However, if the hairs aren’t even getting red, there has been a growth imbalance.
Alternatively, the strain might just be a late bloomer. It’s also possible that autoflowers serving as photoperiods are at blame. However, as previously stated, autoflowers and photoperiods are not the same thing.
Light is not required for autoflowers to grow. They do not need light to enter the blooming stage. The capacity of photoperiods to blossom, however, is dependent on the illumination.
As a result, it’s critical that you don’t rely just on pistil color to determine harvest time. There are other more elements to consider in order to guarantee that the harvest time is met. Let’s have a look-
Other Considerations for Determining Harvest Time
Only looking at the pistil color might be deceiving. There are more efficient techniques to determine whether or not it is harvest season. Here’s how to do it:
Consumption of water is reduced.
The plant will take in less water as it gets closer to harvesting time. You’ll notice that they’re not absorbing water as well as they used to.
This occurs because there is no more space for the plant to grow. It’s now entirely concerned with bud development. Only the bud’s development needs much less water than previously.
As a result, if they are using less water than before, they are preparing to be harvested.
Fan Leaves Have Turned Yellow
When it’s time to harvest, the plant concentrates only on bud growth. As a result, they don’t pay as much attention to the fan leaves as they used to.
Due to this, the fan leaves start Changing Colors. Even in some cases, they die and fall off.
So if your fan leaves are Changing Colors or dying by the end of the flowering stage, it’s getting ready to be harvested.
Calyxes Develop Plumpness
Calyxes are the little oval-shaped structures that make up the buds. These calyxes get larger and plump when the plant is ready to be picked. This is clearly visible in comparison to previously.
As a result, growing calyxes indicates that harvesting time is approaching.
Trichomes’ Current Situation
This is the most crucial aspect of the cannabis plant’s overall development. It’s also a more accurate way to determine the potency level or harvest time than hair colors.
Trichomes are mushroom-like appendages that develop on buds and little leaves around the buds. Without a great eye, you won’t be able to see them. Even the most flawless eye can’t see them clearly. To view trichomes, you’ll need a 30x magnifying lens.
Here’s what we suggest:
| Image | Title | Price |
|---|---|---|
  | 30X Magnifying Glass (Handheld) | Get a Quote |
  | Magnifying Glass with Light from Leffis | Get a Quote |
Trichomes are cannabis plants that contain cannabinoids (THC). The THC (potency) in the cannabis has nothing to do with the pistils.
Trichomes come in three phases, each showing the strength of cannabis.
- Trichomes that are clear
- trichomes with a cloudy appearance
- trichomes of amber
Trichomes that are clear indicate that THC has not formed on them yet. It’s usually at the beginning of the flowering stage. Later it turns cloudy and finally amber. You should harvest when the trichomes are 70%-80% cloudy and the rest being a combination of clear and amber.
It’s at its most powerful right now. When the trichomes get clouded and amber but the pistils remain white, there are problems. Feel free to gather them in this scenario. Because it’s usual to see pistils turn crimson overnight after they’ve been harvested. So go ahead and pick when the trichomes are 70% clouded.
Many people advise waiting until your pistils become red before harvesting. It’s important to remember that THC is found in the trichomes, not the pistils. As a result, the trichomes should be your primary priority if you want your cannabis to be more potent.
So, now that you know whether or not your cannabis has to be harvested, you should employ the appropriate instruments.
Here’s what we think are the best cannabis harvesting equipment.
FAQs
We’ll now go through some of the most often asked questions concerning cannabis hairs-
Is it true that white hairs become crimson first?
No. White hairs are not the first to become crimson. From white pistils, they progressively darken. In an 8-week blooming cycle, they first become yellow after 4-6 weeks of blossoming. They eventually darken and become orange. They become crimson after that. Finally, before 1 week after harvest, change into brown pistils.
Is it necessary for all pistils to be red before harvest?
When the time comes to harvest the pistils, they turn brown/red. The pistils, on the other hand, sometimes take a long time to become crimson. Trichomes are the ones to search for in this scenario. They may be harvested if the trichomes are 70% hazy and the pistils are still not red. Because it is when their THC levels are at their highest.
Are pistils only found on female cannabis plants?
Yes. The female sex organs of the cannabis plant are called pistils. The males are devoid of them. Instead of pistils, males have a green pollen sac from which pollen is discharged. The stigmas of the pistils in female cannabis plants get them. As a result, they are pollinated.
Conclusion
This was all about cannabis white hairs that didn’t turn red. Keep in mind that the change in color of the hair isn’t the sole factor that decides when to harvest. We’ve already gone through them in depth. The time it takes for the hairs to become red or brown also depends on the strain you’re using.
Thank you for sticking it out with us all the way to the finish. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Related Tags
- bud hairs turning brown early
- white hairs on plant stems
- ilgm