Pistils turning brown week 6 into flowering can be a cause for concern for many growers. While it is a natural part of the flowering process, it can also indicate that something is not quite right with the plant.
Understanding pistils and their role in the flowering process can help growers identify potential issues and take steps to correct them.
Pistils are the hair-like structures that emerge from the calyxes of female cannabis plants. They play a crucial role in the pollination process, as they capture and transport pollen from male plants.
As the plant enters the flowering stage, the pistils begin to grow and change color. Initially, they are white and stick straight out from the calyxes. As the plant matures, the pistils will start to curl and change color. In week 6 of flowering, it is common for the pistils to turn brown, indicating that the plant is nearing the end of its life cycle.
Several factors can cause pistils to turn brown prematurely. Growing conditions, nutrition and feeding, strain, and harvesting can all play a role. Overfeeding or underfeeding the plant can cause stress and lead to brown pistils.
High humidity, low temperatures, and poor air circulation can also contribute to premature browning. Additionally, pests and pollination can cause the plant to divert energy away from producing buds and towards producing seeds, resulting in brown pistils.
Understanding Pistils
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Role of Pistils
Pistils are an important part of the female cannabis plant as they play a crucial role in reproduction. They are the hair-like structures that protrude from the flowers or buds.
These pistils are also called “hairs,” “stigmas,” or “stamens.” The pistils are usually white and thin when they first appear, but they can change color as the plant matures.
The primary function of pistils is to capture pollen from male cannabis plants. Once the pollen is captured, the pistils will start to change color. They will turn brown or red, indicating that the plant is ready for harvest.
The brown hairs are a sign that the plant is producing resin, which contains the THC and other cannabinoids that give cannabis its psychoactive effects.
The white pistils are a sign that the plant is still in the early stages of flowering. They are also an indication that the plant is still producing resin and is not ready for harvest. As the plant matures, the white pistils will start to turn brown, indicating that the plant is ready for harvest.
It is essential to monitor the color of the pistils to determine when to harvest the plant. Harvesting too early or too late can affect the potency and flavor of the cannabis. Harvesting at the right time will ensure that the plant has reached its full potential and is ready to be consumed.
In summary, pistils play a crucial role in the reproduction of the cannabis plant. They capture pollen from male plants and change color as the plant matures.
The brown hairs are an indication that the plant is producing resin and is ready for harvest, while the white hairs indicate that the plant is still in the early stages of flowering. Monitoring the color of the pistils is essential to ensure that the plant is harvested at the right time.
Pistils Turning Brown
When growing cannabis plants, one common issue that growers may encounter is pistils turning brown during week 6 of flowering. This can be alarming for inexperienced growers, but it is a natural part of the plant’s growth process.
Pistils Turning Brown Week 6 Into Flowering
During week 6 of flowering, cannabis plants undergo significant changes. This is the time when the buds start to fatten up and become denser. The pistils, which are the small hair-like structures on the buds, also start to change.
They may turn brown, curl up, and recede into the buds. This is a sign that the plant is maturing and nearing the end of its life cycle.
When the pistils turn brown, it is an indication that the plant is producing more resin and cannabinoids. This is a good thing for growers, as it means that the plant is becoming more potent.
However, it is important to note that not all pistils will turn brown at the same time. Some may turn brown earlier than others, while some may remain white or amber.
What Causes Pistils to Turn Brown?
The main reason why pistils turn brown during week 6 of flowering is that the plant is reaching maturity. As the plant matures, it produces more resin and cannabinoids, which are responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects. The brown pistils are an indication that the plant is producing more resin and cannabinoids.
Another reason why pistils turn brown is that the plant is experiencing stress. This stress can be caused by a variety of factors, such as overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests. If the plant is stressed, it may produce more resin and cannabinoids as a defense mechanism, which can cause the pistils to turn brown.
Should You Harvest When Pistils Turn Brown?
While brown pistils are a sign that the plant is maturing and becoming more potent, they are not the only indicator of when to harvest. Growers should also pay attention to the trichomes, which are the small crystal-like structures on the buds.
When the trichomes turn amber, it is a sign that the plant is at its peak potency and ready to be harvested.
In conclusion, pistils turning brown during week 6 of flowering is a natural part of the plant’s growth process. It is an indication that the plant is maturing and becoming more potent.
However, growers should not rely solely on the pistils to determine when to harvest. They should also pay attention to the trichomes and other factors to ensure that the plant is harvested at its peak potency.
Growing Conditions
When it comes to growing cannabis, it is important to provide the right growing conditions to ensure healthy growth and development of the plant. This includes providing the right temperature and humidity, using the right soil and fertilizer, and ensuring the plant gets enough water and light.
Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity are two important factors that can affect the growth of cannabis plants. The ideal temperature for growing cannabis is between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and 58-70°F (14-21°C) at night.
The ideal humidity level for cannabis plants during the vegetative stage is around 50-70%, while during the flowering stage, it should be around 40-50%. High humidity levels can lead to mold and mildew, while low humidity levels can cause the plant to dry out.
2. Soil and Fertilizer
The type of soil and fertilizer used can also affect the growth of cannabis plants. Cannabis plants require well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0-7.0.
Using the right fertilizer is also important. During the vegetative stage, cannabis plants require a fertilizer high in nitrogen, while during the flowering stage, they require a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium.
It is important to note that over-fertilizing can harm the plant, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the right amount of fertilizer.
Nutrition and Feeding
When it comes to growing cannabis, proper nutrition and feeding are crucial to ensure healthy plant growth and a high-quality yield. During the flowering stage, the plant’s nutritional needs change, and it becomes important to provide the right balance of nutrients to support the development of healthy buds.
Importance of Nitrogen
During the flowering stage, the plant’s demand for nitrogen decreases significantly. Nitrogen is essential for vegetative growth, but too much nitrogen during the flowering stage can lead to slow bud growth, reduced potency and flavor, and an increased risk of mold and pests.
Therefore, it is important to reduce the amount of nitrogen in the plant’s diet during this stage.
Importance of Potassium
Potassium is one of the most important nutrients for cannabis plants during the flowering stage. It is essential for the development of healthy buds and flowers, and it helps to improve overall plant health and stress tolerance.
As the plant enters the flowering stage, its demand for potassium increases, and it becomes important to provide enough of this nutrient to support healthy growth.
When it comes to feeding cannabis plants during the flowering stage, it is important to use a nutrient formula that is specifically designed for this stage of growth.
A high-quality flowering nutrient should contain a balance of nutrients, including nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, as well as trace minerals and other micronutrients.
It is also important to pay attention to the pH level of the nutrient solution. Cannabis plants prefer a slightly acidic pH of around 6.0 to 6.5, and maintaining the proper pH level can help to ensure that the plant is able to absorb nutrients effectively.
Strains and Harvesting
Different Strains
Different strains of cannabis have different flowering times, which can affect when the pistils start turning brown. For example, some strains like White Widow may start showing brown pistils as early as week 6 of flowering, while others may not show brown pistils until week 9 or 10.
It is important to research the specific strain being grown to determine when it is likely to be ready for harvest.
In addition to flowering times, different strains may also have different ratios of THC to CBD, which can affect the overall potency of the buds. Some strains may have higher THC levels and may require a longer ripening period to reach their full potential, while others may have lower THC levels and may be ready for harvest earlier.
Harvest Time Indicators
While brown pistils are a good indicator that the plant is nearing maturity, it is not the only factor to consider when determining the optimal harvest time. Other indicators include the color of the trichomes, the size and density of the buds, and the overall health of the plant.
Trichomes are the resin glands on the surface of the buds that contain the highest concentration of THC and other cannabinoids. When the trichomes are cloudy or milky in color, the buds are at their peak potency.
If the trichomes are still clear, the buds may need more time to ripen, while if the trichomes have turned amber, the buds may have already passed their peak potency.
The size and density of the buds can also be a good indicator of when to harvest. Top buds that are large and dense are typically more mature than smaller, less developed buds. Additionally, if the buds are starting to droop or sag, it may be a sign that they are ready for harvest.
Finally, it is important to consider the overall health of the plant when determining the optimal harvest time. If the plant is showing signs of stress or disease, it may be best to harvest the buds early to prevent further damage.
Conversely, if the plant is healthy and thriving, it may be able to handle a longer ripening period, resulting in more potent buds.
Pests and Pollination
Recognizing Pests
Pests are a common problem in any garden, and cannabis plants are no exception. Some common pests that can cause pistils to turn brown include spider mites, thrips, and aphids. These pests can damage the plant’s leaves, stems, and flowers, leading to a decrease in yield and quality.
To recognize pests, growers should inspect their plants regularly for signs of infestation. These signs include yellowing or browning leaves, webbing, and small insects on the leaves or stems. Growers can also use sticky traps to catch flying insects, such as thrips and whiteflies.
Understanding Pollination
Pollination is the process by which pollen from the male cannabis plant fertilizes the female plant, leading to the production of seeds. When a female plant is pollinated, it will begin to focus its energy on seed production rather than producing buds, which can lead to a decrease in the quality and potency of the flower.
Growers can recognize pollination by the presence of small, round balls on the buds, which are the male pollen sacs. If left unchecked, these pollen sacs will burst and release pollen onto the female flowers, leading to pollination.
To prevent pollination, growers should remove any male plants from their garden and inspect their female plants regularly for signs of pollen sacs. If a grower suspects that their plant has been pollinated, they should remove the affected buds immediately to prevent the spread of seeds.
In addition to natural pollination, growers should also be aware of accidental pollination caused by moths or other insects. These insects can carry pollen from one plant to another, leading to pollination even if there are no male plants present.
Taste and Smell
When it comes to harvesting cannabis, the taste and smell of the buds are crucial factors to consider. The pistils play a significant role in determining the taste and smell of the buds. In this section, we will explore how the pistils influence the taste and smell of the buds.
Influence of Pistils
During week 6 of flowering, the pistils start turning brown, indicating that the buds are maturing. The color of the pistils can provide valuable information about the readiness of the buds for harvest. However, the pistils’ color is not the only factor to consider when determining the optimal time to harvest the buds.
When the pistils turn brown, the buds tend to have a more earthy and musky smell. The taste of the buds is also affected, becoming more robust and intense. If the pistils are allowed to turn completely brown, the buds may become too potent for some users, leading to an unpleasant experience.
On the other hand, if the pistils are harvested too early, the buds may have a lighter taste and smell. The potency of the buds may also be lower, leading to a less intense experience. When harvesting the buds, it is crucial to consider the user’s preferences and the intended use of the buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after pistils turn brown to harvest?
Harvesting cannabis plants can be tricky, as the timing of the harvest can significantly impact the quality and potency of the buds. Once the pistils start to turn brown, it is a good indication that the plant is nearing maturity.
However, it is not the only factor to consider. It is recommended to wait until about 50-70% of the pistils have turned brown before harvesting. Additionally, checking the trichomes under a magnifying glass can help determine the ideal time to harvest.
Is it normal for pistils to turn brown 4 weeks into flowering?
Yes, it is normal for pistils to start turning brown around 4 weeks into flowering. This is a sign that the plant is progressing through the flowering stage and preparing for harvest.
However, it is important to monitor the plant closely and ensure that the pistils are not turning brown due to stress, overwatering, or other environmental factors.
What causes pistils to turn brown early?
Several factors can cause pistils to turn brown early, including stress, overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, and high temperatures. It is crucial to identify and address the underlying cause of the issue to prevent further damage to the plant.
Can new pistils appear late in flowering?
Yes, it is possible for new pistils to appear late in the flowering stage. This can happen if the plant is exposed to stress or if the environmental conditions change. However, it is important to note that the new pistils may not mature fully before the plant is ready for harvest.
What is the difference between trichomes and pistils?
Trichomes and pistils are two different parts of the cannabis plant. Trichomes are tiny, hair-like structures that contain the cannabinoids and terpenes responsible for the plant’s effects and aroma.
Pistils, on the other hand, are the hair-like structures that protrude from the calyxes of the plant. They serve as the reproductive organs of the plant and play a crucial role in pollination.
Should I wait for all pistils to turn brown before harvesting?
No, it is not necessary to wait for all pistils to turn brown before harvesting. As mentioned earlier, it is recommended to wait until about 50-70% of the pistils have turned brown before harvesting.
Additionally, checking the trichomes under a magnifying glass can help determine the ideal time to harvest.

Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below