How to dry and cure autoflowers
Once the flowering stage is over the majority of the hard work is done, but to get the very best out of your harvest, you will need to dry and cure it. A proper dry and cure is what makes all of the difference between average weed and top-shelf bud, so its important not to gloss over this crucial final step.
What is the drying and curing stage?
Drying is pretty self explanatory; it involves hanging up your bud for around one week and allowing the excess water and CO2 to evaporate from it. After this comes the curing phase which involves storing your buds in a container and regularly burping it (opening the lid) to allow fresh air in and old air out.
What is the purpose of the drying and curing process?
The purpose of drying and curing weed is to remove the moisture and preserve its quality for long term storage. Drying removes the excess moisture, preventing mold and bacteria growth when it is stored for longer periods. Curing further improves flavor, aroma, and smoothness by breaking down chlorophyll and other unwanted compounds left in the bud. All of this creates a smoother smoke, better flavor and preserved potency.
How long does it take to dry autoflowers?
To dry your weed, it normally takes 7 to 10 days, however, it depends on the temperature and humidity level. It is important to dry weed properly to ensures that the moisture content in the buds is reduced which will prevent mold from developing once you start curing it.
How long does it take to cure autoflowers?
Curing autoflowers generally takes 2 to 4 weeks although there is no set time, and some growers will cure their weed for up to 6 months. The purpose of the cure is to help your buds to develop a full flavor, aroma by breaking down chlorophyll and other compounds found in the plant – the longer you cure the better tasting your bud.
What is the best way to dry and cure weed?
Start by trimming your buds and hanging them upside down in a dark room with good air circulation. Keep a thermometer and humidity monitor in the room and try to maintain a temperature of 60-70°F (15-21°C) and humidity of 45-55%. After 7 to 10 days, or when the buds feel dry to the touch but not brittle, transfer them to airtight containers for curing. Glass mason jars act as great curing containers – I always opt for glass over plastic as the plastic can transfer a plasticky taste to your weed. Open these containers daily (in a process called burping) for the first week to release moisture, then reduce the frequency to a few times a week for the next 2 to 4 weeks and so on. If you decide to cure beyond this, you can burp them once per month.
The drying process
Make sure you have read our guide on flushing cannabis plants before you begin drying them. Flushing is a process that is used to cleanse plants of any synthetic nutrient build up before you harvest them.
Start the drying process by carefully trimming the harvested buds. Then hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room. A simple way to hang them is to use clothing pegs and coat hangers – its a good idea when trimming them to leave a decent amount of stalk so that you have something to attach the pegs to.
Keep your drying room to a temperature of 60-70°F (15-21°C) and a humidity level of 45-55% to prevent mold and mildew. Ensure good air circulation with fans but avoid direct airflow on the buds to prevent uneven drying. The drying period usually lasts 7 to 10 days, during which the buds will lose moisture and become properly dried without losing their essential compounds.
The curing process
Begin the curing process by placing the dried buds into airtight containers, such as glass jars. Fill the jars about three-quarters full to allow some air space. Store the jars in a cool, dark place. Glass mason jars act as great curing containers – I always opt for glass over plastic as the plastic can transfer a plasticky taste to your weed. Open these containers twice daily (in a process called burping) for the first week to release moisture, then after one week you can reduce the frequency to once per day, then in the third week you can burp them every few days. If you decide to cure beyond this, you can burp them once per month.
Is it better to trim autoflowers wet or dry?
It is best to trim your autos wet, which means trimming straight after harvest. Doing this will help to reduce the risk of mold during the drying phase by removing excess foliage that retains moisture. Dry trimming, on the other hand, is done after the drying process. While it can preserve more of the plant’s trichomes, it can be more challenging as the leaves and buds become brittle and harder to handle. Both methods have their benefits, but wet trimming is generally quicker and helps maintain a cleaner drying environment.
How do you rehydrate buds while curing?
If your buds dry out too much during the drying process you might need to rehydrate them. To do this you can use a simple trick that will add a bit of moisture without causing mold to grow. Before curing, place a small piece of citrus peel, a damp cotton ball, or a humidity pack inside the jar with the buds. Seal the jar and check it after a few hours. Repeat this process as needed and monitor the buds regularly to get the perfect moisture level.
How do you prevent bud rot while curing?
If you start the curing process and your buds have too much moisture in them, they can go moldy. To prevent bud rot while curing:
- Make sure they dry enough before starting the process.
- Maintain the correct humidity level, ideally between 55-65%, to prevent excess moisture buildup.
- Regularly burp the jars, especially during the first week, by opening them daily for a few minutes to release trapped moisture and allow fresh air to circulate.
- Place Boveda packs in the curing jars can help regulate humidity and keep the environment stable.
How do you know when buds are done curing?
It is a matter of opinion when the buds are done curing, some people leave them for 4 weeks, some for 6 months. Ideally the buds should feel dry to the touch but still slightly sticky, and they should not be harsh to smoke. They should have a nice aroma will also burn evenly. If you are not sure, cure them for 4 weeks and you should be good.
The fastest you should be curing your weed is 2 weeks, but even then, it might still be harsh to smoke.
How to burp weed
- Initial Drying:
- Before curing, make sure your cannabis is properly dried. This usually takes about 7-10 days in a controlled environment with temperatures around 60-70°F (15-21°C) and humidity levels around 55-65%.
- Filling the Jars:
- Once your bud is dried, trim it and place it loosely in a glass jar. Fill each jar about 75% full to allow enough air circulation. Do not pack the buds tightly.
- Sealing the Jars:
- Seal the jars with their airtight lids. Store the jars in a dark, cool place with a temperature around 60-70°F (15-21°C).
- Burping Schedule:
- For the first week: Burp the jars daily. Open each jar for about 5-10 minutes to release built-up moisture and allow fresh air to circulate. This will help to prevent mold.
- From the second week onwards: Burp the jars every 2-3 days. As the buds continue to cure and stabilize, they will release less moisture.
- After the first month: You can reduce burping to once a week or less. The buds should be significantly cured by this time.
- Monitoring Humidity:
- Use a hygrometer to monitor the relative humidity inside the jars. The ideal humidity range for curing cannabis is between 55-65%. If the humidity exceeds 70%, burp the jars more frequently or leave them open for a longer period. If the humidity is below 55%, consider adding a humidity pack to maintain proper levels.
- Patience and Observation:
- Curing can take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months. The longer you cure, the better the quality of your cannabis. Check the buds for any signs of mold or mildew during the process.
Tips:
- Smell Test: A good indicator of properly cured cannabis is its smell. Properly cured weed should have a strong, pleasant aroma. If it smells off or musty, it might be a sign of improper curing or mold.
- Texture: The buds should feel slightly sticky but not wet. They should be firm to the touch and should not crumble easily.
Dry and Cure FAQ
How long does it take to cure autoflowers?
Curing autoflowers takes 2 to 4 weeks. This time allows the buds to develop optimal flavor, aroma, and potency.
Can you dry buds fully without hanging them up?
Yes, you can dry buds using drying racks. This method provides good airflow, but ensure the environment has the proper temperature and humidity.
What happens if you cure too early?
Curing too early can lead to mold and a harsh taste. Proper drying before curing is essential to avoid these issues.
Does weed get stronger while curing?
Yes, weed can become stronger while curing. The process enhances the potency by allowing cannabinoids to mature and develop fully.
What is the best temperature and humidity for drying autoflowers?
The best temperature for drying autoflowers is 60-70°F (15-21°C) with a humidity level of 45-55%. These conditions prevent mold and preserve the buds’ quality.
Should bud be dry before curing?
Yes, buds should be dry before curing. Proper drying ensures the buds don’t develop mold during the curing process.
Will buds tighten up when curing?
Yes, buds can tighten up when curing. The process reduces moisture content, making the buds denser and enhancing their structure.