Okay so there has actually been some recent research on this topic thanks to legalization here in Canada and my favourite university, University of British Columbia.
So I will post my summy, some quotes and a link of you care to read into the research paper.
To cut to the chase your a ways off from harvest, your tricombs are not mature yet they are still growing basically. You want to wait for 50% milky/cloudy and that will leave you with a fair bit of Amber if you want the best potency. However there is reports from multiple growers (no solid science that I’m currently aware of but I’m not aware of everything of course) that if you wish to have a less body stone and more ceberall high then minimize the amount of Amber.
I tend to leave my plants longer than most, and everyone has their own style but here is some facts to take into consideration.
Sam Livingston (UBC Ph.D candidate) preformed this research. Ultraviolet light assisted the researchers to monitor trichome maturity on the flowers, or buds, as well as informing the optimal harvest times. Mr. Livingston explained that metabolites were stored in the cell walls of the trichomes. He was also astonished to find out that the high levels that are stored should be toxic to the cells, so the researchers plan to investigate how the cell walls manage this. The earliest stage that your plant will be ready for harvest for the best possible potency, is when your trichomes reach at least 50% cloudy with the rest having turned a shade of amber.
Key takeaway point:
"data indicate that the majority of premature trichomes sitting on the epidermal surface of developing calyces have cell numbers similar to stalked glandular trichomes on mature calyces.
Although most of the sessile trichomes on immature flowers appear destined to become stalked as the calyx matures, a scant subpopulation of sessile trichomes persisted. "
What they are saying is that when you look at tricomb pictures you can sometimes see little bumpy short tricombs, these are how many stock shaped tricombs start off but it takes them time to grow and mature. In that time the stocked knew you basic have now are going to also grow and mature.
Figure E is what we want to turn into figure D.
Cloudy trichomes: this stage is when the trichomes start towards the desired outcome, however, they are still not mature enough to harvest. This is when you want to start monitoring your plants more closely. When 50%-70% of your plant has turned cloudy and the rest have turned to amber, you should harvest it if you are looking for a stronger, more euphoric and intense effect.
- Amber trichomes: These trichomes are all ranging from amber to brown color. This is when the plant has reached its’ full maturity. By this stage, most of the THC has naturally converted to cannabinol (CBN), which has very relaxing, sleep-aiding and couch-locking properties.
Study:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/tpj.14516
Here is a picture of my last harvest, if you notice the tricomb heads are Amber but the stocks are still cloudy.
Here is your immature tricombs
I’m actually going to tag a couple people because I think this is a learning opportunity for everyone.
@Bulldognuts @Breezy @Axemanjake23 @fano_man @DefNSmokn @Deepsix @ashhhh @violagirl0 @Capt.Cola