All enthusiasts should know the trichomes: Mushroom-shaped, gelatinous bumps that produce cannabis cannabinoids and terpenes. Let's learn everything there is to know about these glands, what they are, their functions and why they are so important for good cultivation.
What are trichomes?
To be observed under a microscope, cannabis trichomes are structures that secrete what are called secondary metabolites, i.e. cannabinoids and terpenes. Compounds responsible for the effects, properties, flavors and aromas of our beloved inflorescences.
Although the word trichome comes from the Greek "Tríchōma", which means "hair", they should not be confused with the pistils: the female reproductive organ of cannabis. These, unlike trichomes, are decidedly longer filaments, perfectly visible to the naked eye, which confirm the female sex of our plants.
In cannabis, they have been identified three types main trichomes, all classified as glandular, meaning that they produce substances inside their "head", or rather gland.
- Bulbous trichomes, which, despite their name, are microscopic and do not exceed 10-15 microns in width. These trichomes do not possess a stalk and contain minimal amounts of secondary metabolites;
- capitate-sessile trichomes, which reach 20-30 microns in diameter, are equipped with a stem, albeit small, and, proportionately, the entire gland contains a smaller quantity of substances;
- capitate-pedunculated trichomes, which cover the high quality buds. In fact, these trichomes, which measure up to 50-100 microns in width and boast a long stem and a gland rich in cannabinoids and terpenes, are the ones that are of most interest to cannabis growers.
The protective function of trichomes
Trichomes perform multiple functions, including that of protect our cannabis seedlings, both from climatic agents and from possible predators and various parasites.
Trichomes for protection from the elements
During flowering, cannabis becomes particularly sensitive to atmospheric agents and factors such as excess heat or a furious wind could damage it.
And here this crystalline mantle, which covers a large part of the surface of the plant, acts as protective shield, protecting it from UV rays and adverse climatic conditions.
Trichomes for defense against animals and parasites
As with the elements, trichomes actively contribute to the survival of cannabis defending it from attacks external. In fact, by creating an impenetrable barrier and releasing, thanks to the terpenes they contain within them, truly pungent aromas and bitter flavours, they act as natural repellents for fungi, insects and herbivorous predators.
Trichomes: why are they so important for cultivation?
As just seen, trichomes are essential part of cannabis, without which we wouldn't have cannabinoids, like THC or CBD, terpenes and other phytochemicals that we appreciate so much.
However, the botanical function is not everything and fully knowing their appearance, which progressively changes during flowering, is essential for cultivation. Why? Their color tells us the perfect time for harvesting.
The color of the trichomes for an amazing harvest
When the harvest time approaches, the trichomes can take over three different hue: transparent, opaque or amber.
Transparent trichomes
As soon as it enters flowering, the first young and immature looking trichomes will appear on the cannabis transparent, almost translucent.
Transparent trichomes means seedlings they are not ready for harvesting, they still have to mature and increase in potency. In fact, the buds impatiently detached at this time will generate almost imperceptible effects.
Opaque trichomes
When the trichomes take on shades opaque and milky it means they have reached maximum production of cannabinoids and terpenes. For sativa strains, which prefer an intense cerebral high, this is the ideal moment to proceed with the harvest.
Amber trichomes
Towards the end of flowering, the trichomes have developed color amber, a sign that THC is decreasing, slowly degrading into CBN, also known as cannabinol. In fact, due to this molecule the buds will give a lighter, calmer but also physical and relaxing tone.
Amber trichomes
Between the opaque and amber phases, there is a period in which trichomes acquire both shades, therefore 50% opaque and 50% amber. This is perhaps the best time to harvest both indica and sativa buds, which will generate one high combined both physical and mental.
