With the release of CBG-rich hemp cultivars come a few changes to the way farmers approach when and how to harvest, dry, and extract their plant material. If you are growing varieties such as our White CBG, Stem Cell CBG, or Sour G CBG, here are some good details to consider.
Milky Trichomes
With CBD and THC, farmers have long turned to ambering trichomes for an indication of when to harvest, while CBG crystals never change from milky white. Do not wait for a change in color.
7-8 Weeks
Earlier can be better. From our research, CBG plants have shown to put on much of their cannabinoid content early on in flower and thus generally don’t have to be left as late as possible to get good content percentages. We generally recommend beginning harvest about 7-8 weeks into flower.
Amber Colored Hairs
The turning of pistils/hairs from white to amber/brown is the easiest indicator with CBG flowers that they are mature or almost mature. Some wait until all hairs have turned brown, while some start harvesting when about 60% have turned.
Dense Flowers
Wait to harvest until flowers are plump; but with their denser flowers, our CBG cultivars can prove more problematic for molds and mildews than some of our other varieties. Once they have reached a good density, chop them down.
Harvest with Care
We highly recommend harvesting by hand and being gentle on flowers. CBG crystals lack the stickiness of other cannabinoid-rich varieties and fall and break off of plants much more easily. This doesn’t mean they have to be cradled, but combine and other mechanical harvesting processes can greatly reduce cannabinoid returns.
Field Dry with Caution
Wind and adverse weather diminish cannabinoid content on plants that are field dried. We recommend bringing them out of the elements for drying. As plants dry, the crystals are even more likely to dissipate.
Machine Trim with Caution
Our CBG varieties will trim up well in machines and still boast decent content, but for the highest CBG percentages we recommend hand trimming. Through the process you will undoubtedly end up with a pile of CBG kief.
Ethanol Extraction
While it is possible to extract CBG with a CO2 extraction system, it requires an extremely high amount of pressure – somewhere around 15 PSI – and most equipment only reaches about 5 PSI. Stick to ethanol for the best extraction rates.
