Marijuana growers need to craft the best possible plants so that they can have an irresistible yield come harvest time. A good batch of marijuana plants that smell great is more fun to use and so much easier to sell. Most growers overlook the importance of good-smelling marijuana by focusing on potency and the highest CBD/THC levels. However, the smell is just as important since it influences the taste and flavor profile.
The smell is a good indicator of flavor and quality. When you are visiting a marijuana shop, what’s the first thing you do? You smell the product because it gives you a preview of the plant’s flavor profile. here are some tips on how to improve the smell of your marijuana plants to make them irresistible.
Marijuana And Terpenes
Terpenes are primarily responsible for the taste and smell of weed. These are naturally occurring in cannabis plants but you’ll find that it is present in practically any aromatic product on the market, from perfumes to body washes. As such, you can manipulate your crop’s terpenes to intensify and improve the smell.
One of the best ways is to stimulate terpene production by imposing some mild stress on your plants. This is only recommended for experienced growers because too much stress can kill your plants. The stressors must be applied during the middle of the life cycle or a few weeks before the harvest season.
Stress must also be applied over a period of time rather than all at once. One good example is low-stress training (LST) which is where you slightly bend the stems of the plant. This forces the plants to grow outward and upward. Make sure to avoid breaking off the branches.
How To Improve The Smell
- Use Supplements And Nutrients
There are countless supplements and nutrients available on the market. However, there are a few select ones that work best with cannabis plants. It is best to stick with one or two products rather than bombarding your plants with too much.
The supplements are best applied during the vegetative and flowering stages. There are supplements that work exclusively during the flowering stage. One popular example is blackstrap molasses. Apply them a few weeks before harvest season which will supply your plants with all the carbohydrates, amino acids, and minerals they need for improved taste, aroma, and potency.
- Use Strong Lights
Exposure to strong lights, particularly with UV-B, will help your marijuana plants thrive. UV-B stimulates the production of trichomes.
- Use Living Soil
Living soil is also known as super soil. This type of soil is packed with active ingredients such as microorganisms and an array of nutrients to help promote growth. It is much like natural soil except that it is packed with so much more supplements.
The microorganisms will continuously break down the nutrients to keep the plants sufficiently fed. As such, it eliminates the need for certain supplements and fertilizers. You merely need to water your plants every now and then. It also stabilizes the pH level which eliminates another thing for you to worry about.
- Regulate The Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity play a crucial role as your plants enter the 6-week mark of the blooming stage. Ideally, your plants must get 12 hours of total darkness followed by 12 hours of light, and so on. Additionally, the temperature must be kept below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A higher temperature may cause your marijuana plants to lose their flavor and aroma since they can get “burned off.” Make sure to keep your plants not too close to grow lights.
By 6 weeks of flowering, reduce the temperature by 10 degrees at night. Cooler nights boost terpene production which will intensify the smell of your plants. Additionally, this also brings out purple and pink colors in your plants, if that is present in their genetics.
Lastly, keep the humidity at 50% or less during the flowering stage. This is believed to boost terpene production.
- Dry and Cure Your Buds
After the harvest season, the next step is to properly dry and cure your buds. These steps ensure the most fragrant batch possible. Incorrectly drying and curing can cause your buds to have a minty taste. Drying and curing is a long and delicate process but the results are worth it. Read our in-depth guide on drying and curing here.