rock hard buds...loosening up right before harvest

[Benelli]

I have had this this happen a few times. My buds have been rock hard. Then I stop watering for a few days prior to the chop to let them dry out a little big. Then when I'm ready to chop, they become, not quite as hard? Any thoughts?

 

[Benelli]

It isn't heat related either. Temps have always been in 71-77 with 45-55% RH in flower

 

[Maggs707]

It isn't heat related either. Temps have always been in 71-77 with 45-55% RH in flower

I've never heard of a bud "unchunking". Strange. Maybe it looks less swole because there's not as much moisture in the plant? Things tend to shrink as they dry out.

 

[cactusbudz]

did you have powdery mildew during your grow?

 

[Benelli]

no PM at all. I guess they are not 'unchunking'. They just don't seem to be as hard.

 

[Benelli]

bump

 

[SPLFreak808]

When the turgor pressure drops, so does the plants ability to push its plasma membrane into its cell walls.
Im not sure if this would be a good example but here it goes - Think of a water balloon, less pressure = softer balloon = less dense

 

[Maggs707]

When the turgor pressure drops, so does the plants ability to push its plasma membrane into its cell walls.
Im not sure if this would be a good example but here it goes - Think of a water balloon, less pressure = softer balloon = less dense

Excellent!

 

[Chunky Stool]

So basically they are wilting?

 

[Benelli]

So basically they are wilting?

No not wilting. Have been just watering with PH'd water for about 2 weeks. Buds are not airy. Just less dense than they were a few days ago.

 

[Benelli]

Ok, so I watered a couple of the plant again and sure enough, they hardened back up. I guess I was just jumping the gun. I have been growing for about 6 years and thought I would let things dry out a bit prior to harvest, turns out that might not be the best idea..?