9 Things You Need to Know About Croptober

Croptober is one of the most exciting times for cannabis growers and consumers.

Croptober occurs as days shorten and daylight hours decrease, triggering the flowering phase in cannabis, which is an annual plant.

In the fall, seasonal changes such as cooler temperatures and reduced daylight hours signal the plants to begin flowering.

At the end of this period, growers can harvest their mature buds and prepare them for sale.

Here are 9 things you need to know about this once-a-year phenomenon known as Croptober.

1. It Is Time to Harvest for Northern Hemisphere Growers

In the Northern Hemisphere, cannabis growers eagerly await Croptober, all of October and early November, to harvest their mature cannabis plants.

Of course, some strains flower earlier or later than others. Some strains may complete their flowering period in September or late November. But about 80 percent of cultivars are ready to harvest during the Croptober season.

One of the most important aspects of harvesting is timing. Growers closely monitor trichome color (tiny, mushroom-like glands on the cannabis flowers) to determine when plants reach maturity and the optimal harvest time. Observing changes in trichome color helps growers identify when their plants reach peak maturity.

When trichomes turn from clear to a milky white or amber color, this change in trichome color indicates the plants have reached peak maturity and are ready for harvest.

2. Bulk Flower Prices May Go Down

As a bevy of cannabis growers harvest all of their plants in a matter of weeks, the influx of a large amount of harvested cannabis can drive the market price of bulk cannabis down for a short period.

While outdoor growers are keen to sell off their product, indoor growers must sell theirs at a relatively lower price than the rest of the year.

While this was a bigger problem a few years back, now there is a better balance of supply throughout the year to avoid major price changes.

The surge of freshly harvested cannabis throughout the month of Croptober has the potential to momentarily alter market pricing. Prices could fall for a brief period of time if there is an unexpected rise in the supply. The year's harvest is brought to market during Croptober, which contributes to these price fluctuations.

3. Growers Must Watch Out for Mold

When harvesting and storing their harvested cannabis, outdoor growers must be ready for inclement fall weather, especially heavy rainfall, which can increase the risk of mold and complete crop destruction.

Heavy rain can physically damage crops and also increase the risk of mold and complete crop destruction.

Growers can start by selecting genetics resistant to mold. Planning harvests around the weather can reduce the risk of mold damage.

Late-stage flowering is very important, yet during this time the plant is more susceptible to mold, particularly bud rot. In the weeks running up to Croptober, it is absolutely necessary to perform routine checks on your plants and make certain that they are not just dry but also free of any pests.

4. Plants Need Adequate Support

In addition to the threat of mold from excessive moisture, the harsh weather could also cause physical damage from heavy rain or wind.

For this reason, growers should be prepared and ensure that the plants are adequately trellised and staked to support the heavy branches, especially if there is heavy rain on the way.

Windbreaks can help reduce wind damage.

5. Croptober Farm Tours

As a cannabis tourist, you are able to schedule a farm tour during the most exciting time of the season, when mature plants are at their peak freshness in terms of flavor, aroma, and potency. Cannabis farmers often host these tours and share their expertise with visitors during Croptober.

During Croptober, you can get close to the cannabis plant, see an outdoor operation in person, and smell the deep and complex aroma of different cannabis cultivators.

6. More Employment Opportunities on the Farm

A surge of employment opportunities as a bud trimmer during Croptober is perfect for job seekers looking to enter the industry. Croptober is one of the busiest times of the year for cannabis farms, leading to increased demand for seasonal workers.

During this short time period, growers are looking for extra bud trimmers and grower’s assistants to trim, package, and label flower products for sale.

Most of these positions are entry-level but can provide advancement opportunities later on.

7. Harvesting Windows Are Short—Drying and Curing Is Important

The harvesting window for outdoor cannabis crops is brief and highly dependent on environmental factors, typically falling in late September or October. Outdoor growers must act quickly during this period, as unpredictable weather like heavy rain or early frost can threaten the quality of their cannabis buds.

Timing is everything—waiting too long can expose plants to inclement weather, while harvesting too early can impact potency and flavor.

Once the cannabis plants are harvested, the work is far from over. Proper drying and curing are essential steps in the cannabis industry, often making the difference between a mediocre and a top-shelf final product. Outdoor growers carefully dry their buds in controlled environments to preserve cannabinoids and terpenes, which are responsible for the plant’s aroma, flavor, and effects.

Curing, which involves storing the dried buds in airtight containers for several weeks, further enhances the quality by allowing flavors to mature and moisture to distribute evenly.

Skipping or rushing these steps can result in harsh, less potent cannabis, so diligent post-harvest handling is key to a successful harvest and high-quality outdoor cannabis.

Outdoor growers must wait for the right time to harvest their crops. They pay attention to a variety of indicators including aroma, pistil color, flower bud density, but most importantly, the color of the trichomes. Many growers use a magnifying glass to closely inspect trichomes, as their cloudiness or clarity helps determine the optimal harvest time.

Growers may choose different times to harvest depending on the cultivar. Trichomes go from a clear to a milky white to an amber color when mature.

After being harvested, the cannabis buds must undergo the correct procedures for drying and curing. Proper post-harvest techniques are essential for preserving the final product's potency.

The development of flavor and potency are both dependent on the success of this process. The quality of the entire harvest can be jeopardized if drying or curing is not done correctly.

8. Croptober Is Not Common Everywhere

In some cannabis markets, such as Nevada, Croptober is not as big as it is in California or Oregon, where outdoor cultivation is more common. Outdoor farmers in regions like California and Oregon play a key role in Croptober due to the prevalence of outdoor cannabis cultivation.

Strict testing standards in some markets may make outdoor cultivation impractical, especially when pesticides are needed. In addition, successful cannabis cultivation depends on suitable environmental conditions, and some regional climates are not conducive to outdoor growing.

9. Wildfire Damage Threatens Crops

In wildfire-prone regions of the country, outdoor growers must also prepare against damage from wildfires, including fire, ash, and smoke, which can affect the purity of the plants. Protecting cannabis crops from wildfires and unpredictable weather requires hard work and constant vigilance from growers.

Manually blowing or washing off the ash can reduce the smoky and ashy aroma and flavor of the buds while keeping the trichomes intact.

Tenting the plants with a clear material should be reserved for short periods of time when smoke and ash are a big problem.

The weather has a greater chance of becoming unexpected as winter draws closer. There is a possibility of precipitation, as well as early frosts. Mold can develop in damp environments, and frost can kill or severely harm plants.

Cannabis growers have a responsibility to keep an eye on the weather forecasts and be ready to start harvesting earlier than normal or take other precautions to safeguard their plants.

The Role of Cannabis Businesses During Croptober

During the Croptober season, cannabis businesses are at the heart of the action, working tirelessly to manage the influx of outdoor grown cannabis.

Cannabis cultivators, processors, and manufacturers must be ready to handle large amounts of freshly harvested buds, transforming them into a variety of products such as flower, concentrates, and edibles.

This is a critical time for cannabis businesses to streamline their operations, ensuring that the harvest is processed efficiently and meets industry standards.

Retailers also play a significant role during Croptober, stocking up on new inventory and educating customers about the unique qualities of outdoor cannabis. By highlighting the benefits of sun-grown buds and offering competitive pricing, cannabis businesses can attract new customers and reward loyal ones.

Embracing the Croptober season allows businesses to strengthen their reputation, build lasting relationships with consumers, and establish themselves as leaders in the cannabis industry.

How Croptober Impacts Cannabis Consumers

For cannabis consumers, Croptober is a highly anticipated time of year. The harvest season brings a wave of fresh, sun grown cannabis to the market, offering a diverse selection of strains with unique flavors, aromas, and effects. Many consumers appreciate the natural, organic growing process of outdoor cannabis, which often results in a more authentic and robust experience.

With the increased supply of outdoor cannabis during Croptober, prices tend to drop, making high-quality cannabis more accessible to a wider audience. This abundance allows consumers to explore new strains and stock up on their favorites at a lower cost.

As the cannabis industry continues to grow, Croptober has become a celebrated event among enthusiasts, marking the perfect opportunity to enjoy the best of the season’s harvest and experience the full spectrum of what outdoor cannabis has to offer.

The Importance of Quality in the Croptober Harvest

Quality is the cornerstone of a successful Croptober harvest. Outdoor growers and cannabis cultivators dedicate months to nurturing their plants, focusing on every detail from soil health to nutrient management and pest control. These factors are crucial in determining the potency, flavor, and aroma of the final cannabis buds.

To stand out in a competitive market, growers must prioritize quality at every stage of the growing process. Careful attention to the needs of each plant ensures that the harvest meets the high expectations of today’s cannabis consumers.

By producing exceptional buds, outdoor growers not only enhance their reputation but also contribute to raising the overall standard within the cannabis industry. Croptober is the time for cultivators to showcase their expertise and commitment to delivering the best possible product to the market.

Community Involvement and Croptober

Croptober is more than just a harvest—it’s a celebration of cannabis culture and community. Across the cannabis industry, outdoor growers, businesses, and consumers come together to mark the harvest season with festivals, educational workshops, and local events.

These gatherings provide opportunities to share knowledge, exchange tips, and celebrate the cannabis plant’s journey from seed to harvest.

Community involvement during Croptober strengthens the bonds between growers, businesses, and consumers, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual support. For cannabis businesses, engaging with the community helps build trust and brand loyalty, while also contributing to the positive growth of the industry.

As Croptober continues to gain recognition, its role in uniting the cannabis community and shaping the future of cannabis culture becomes even more significant.

Celebrate #Croptober

Croptober is a magical time for growers and consumers alike. As the smell of cannabis permeates throughout the air, growers can feel satisfied they produced a high-quality product and consumers can enjoy freshly harvested cannabis purchased at a reasonable price.

Croptober may only come once a year but it is a year-long process that deserves celebration. Croptober marks the culmination of months of work throughout the growing season, which begins in spring and continues through the summer, as plants benefit from long daylight hours and warm temperatures before harvest.

Croptober is not only a time for working; however, it is also a time for festivities. The changing seasons play a crucial role in the timing and success of the Croptober harvest, as growers adapt their practices to seasonal climate patterns for optimal results.

To commemorate the arrival of harvest time, many cannabis communities throw Croptober festivals, celebrations, and parties, particularly in regions where cannabis production is permitted by law.

Interesting Facts About Croptober

1. Croptober is when 80-85% of the cannabis industry's outdoor cannabis is harvested.
2. Events during Croptober include harvest festivals, trimming parties, educational seminars, cannabis competitions, and charity events.
3. Croptober is an annual tradition within the legal cannabis industry that involves festivals, community gatherings, and retail promotions.
4. Outdoor cannabis growers experience Croptober as one of their busiest times of the year.
5. During Croptober, many cannabis dispensaries stock fresh, sun-grown cannabis in November and December after harvesting is complete.
6. Many outdoor growers offer farm tours and special events to celebrate the Croptober harvest season.
7. The rise of social media and online communities has popularized Croptober in the cannabis culture, marking it as an important seasonal event.
8. Cooler temperatures and lower humidity in autumn enhance cannabis flavor profiles and reduce mold risk, creating ideal harvesting conditions.
9. Pest infestations can rapidly damage outdoor cannabis plants, making pest management critical for growers.
10. Outdoor cannabis cultivation is susceptible to contamination from environmental factors such as pollen and mold.
11. Soil testing is essential to prevent heavy metal contamination in outdoor cannabis cultivation.
12. Many growers leverage Croptober for branding, emphasizing the sustainable nature and unique qualities of their sun-grown cannabis.
13. Indoor growers may face price drops due to the influx of outdoor cannabis during the Croptober season.
14. Dispensaries frequently run special promotions and introduce new strains to the market in conjunction with Croptober.
15. Consumers benefit from Croptober through increased availability of quality cannabis at lower prices in dispensaries, which occurs after the harvest season.
16. The significant influx of cannabis into the market during Croptober can lead to a price drop of around 66% per pound, although the overall demand for cannabis remains high.

FAQs — Croptober Cannabis Season & Harvesting