When it comes to harvesting high quality cannabis, we are all looking for tasty, aromatic and resin-filled buds. We seek to maximize the genetic potential of our marijuana plants, and one functional way to achieve this is by increasing the amount of terpenes present in them.

In this article, we will explore several simple techniques we can use to increase the amount of terpenes in our marijuana plants.

What are terpenes?

They are natural organic compounds found in many plants. They are the main ingredients of essential oils in plants, and are responsible for the distinctive flavors and aromas found in many plants, including marijuana.

How to increase terpenes in marijuana?

Increasing the amount of terpenes in our marijuana plants is possible using some simple techniques. Below, we will go over some of them so that you can get the most out of your cannabis plants:

Select good genetics

Choosing the right genetics for your marijuana seeds is essential. Nowadays, most manufacturers provide information about the smell and taste of their strains, allowing us to select the seeds that best suit our tastes.

However, it is important to choose quality and stable genetics, as this will help us to obtain a higher production of terpenes. In addition, resinous plants tend to concentrate a higher amount of terpenes, so it is also important to consider this aspect when choosing genetics.

Use powerful indoor lighting

To get the best results when growing marijuana, it is necessary to have a lighting kit with enough power for our plants. Even if we follow all the other steps correctly, if we do not have adequate light levels, we will not achieve the best results.

We will need a kit that provides a minimum of 900 PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density). In this way, we will provide the plants with the additional energy they need to produce more terpenes. Currently, LED bulbs and 1000W sodium lighting kits produce the most PPFD, far exceeding the amounts needed.

Use ultraviolet light

Ultraviolet (UV) light helps to obtain higher levels of resin and, consequently, terpenes. Resin is the plant’s natural protection against ultraviolet rays. By increasing the amount of UV rays in our crop, we force the plant to produce more resin to protect itself from these rays.

There are several options for adding UV light to our crop. LED bulbs usually include a certain amount of UVA light in their spectrum. We can also find LED strips that will provide us with this light source if the bulb does not include it.

It is important to remember that ultraviolet light is harmful to our skin and eyes. Therefore, it is paramount to use growing goggles when entering the area where the UV light is operating.

Create a favorable environment for your crop

To get the best out of our marijuana plants, we must provide them with a favorable environment. We must pay attention to the maximum and minimum temperatures, as well as proper watering and fertilizing to avoid problems.

If we manage to maintain optimal growing conditions, our plants will reward us with a higher quantity and quality of terpenes. On the contrary, if conditions are not optimal, no matter how much effort we put in, the plant will not be able to reach its full potential.

Lower the temperature in the last week of flowering

This method consists of lowering the temperatures about 5 to 10 degrees below the usual temperature during the last week of flowering. The objective is to stimulate an increase in the amount of resin produced by the plant.

The plant will respond to the decrease in temperature by trying to fatten the resin glands to protect its flowers. In addition, this will be interpreted as a signal that summer is coming to an end and the plant will rush to finish its flowering.

Use resin boosters and terpenes

An easy and simple solution to increase the terpene profile in our plants is to use special boosters designed to stimulate resin gland production and terpene creation.

Adding these products as a complement to our growing table will give us a significant increase in the potency, aroma and flavor of our marijuana.

Use low temperatures when drying your plants

Terpenes are volatile compounds, so it is important to dry plants at low temperatures to prevent them from evaporating.

During the drying process, it is recommended to maintain an optimal temperature for terpenes, which ranges between 15 and 18ºC. If temperatures are too high, we will lose terpenes and, as a result, subtle hints of aroma and flavor in our marijuana buds.

Conclusion

Increasing the amount of terpenes in our marijuana plants is possible by following some simple techniques.

Remember that each plant is unique, so you may need to experiment and adjust these techniques according to your own growing conditions. By applying these strategies, you will be able to enhance the aroma and flavor of your buds, and thus enjoy a more complete and satisfying cannabis experience.

Make the most of your marijuana plants’ potential and discover all that terpenes can do for you!