Want to know how to dry sugar leaves? Sugar leaves are tricky because not a lot of growers know what to do with them. So, we’ve compiled some of the frequently asked questions about sugar leaves.
A Closer Look at Sugar Leaves
Sugar leaves are small leaves that hold cannabis buds in place. They usually grow on the buds during the flowering stage. About two weeks to a month after the buds develop, the sugar leaves begin to form.
They’re called sugar leaves because they contain high levels of trichomes that cover the leaves with a sugar-like substance. These trichomes are responsible for producing cannabinoids and terpenes. Gardeners often trim them off the plant after harvest and use them to create concentrates.
How to Dry Sugar Leaves: What You Need to Know
One of the most effective ways to dry sugar leaves is to leave them on the plant rather than trimming them. By leaving them on the plant, you can let the cola and the sugar leaves dry together. In this way, you can save time and effort since you don’t have to introduce additional steps during the harvesting. It also ensures that your plants will try at the same time.
How Can You Trim Sugar Leaves?
After harvesting and drying the cannabis, commercial distributors can trim and manicure the buds for distribution. Growers trim the sugar leaves to improve the quality and make them look more presentable to buyers.
Some growers trim them when they’re completely dried up, while others trim while they’re still wet. However, it’s better to leave the sugar leaves on the buds for a dry trim to added protection while your cannabis plants are drying.
Cannabis users are used to seeing plants without visible sugar leaves, plus it offers are cleaner look. If you buy cannabis in the market, you may also notice that some buds have small leaves while others don’t. Some growers opt to leave sugar leaves on the bud if they think that it adds to the aesthetic value of the plant. Others leave them to add weight to their harvest.
At the end of the day, the one who does the trimming and manicuring decide whether they leave the sugar leaves or they trim them off.
Can You Smoke Sugar Leaves?
Yes, you can smoke sugar leaves just like any other smoke flower since they contain cannabinoids and terpenes.
Dry and cure the sugar leaves just as you would with the flower. But keep in mind that even though sugar leaves produce terpenes and cannabinoids, the levels are much lower compared to cannabis buds. This means you won’t get the same benefit if you only smoke the sugar leaves.
If you want to smoke sugar leaves, the best way to do so is to leave them on the flower and smoke both together.
Why Should You Use a Mini Greenhouse for Growing Cannabis?
Contrary to popular belief, using a greenhouse to grow your cannabis plants is more inexpensive. This enclosed space uses renewable solar energy to provide warmth and sunlight while protecting them from unpredictable weather changes.
Additionally, greenhouses enable you to control the climate and grow cannabis all year round. They’re more cost-effective than growing your plants indoors and they’re more consistent in producing high-quality plants.
Here are some of the reasons why you should use a greenhouse for growing cannabis:
Protection from pests that attack cannabis plants
Spider mites, whiteflies, thrips, aphids, caterpillars, fungus gnats, slugs, and snails love to munch on your cannabis plants. It’s important to identify any signs of infestation early on because these insects can quickly multiply and damage your entire crop. Placing your cannabis plants inside a greenhouse lowers the risk of insect infestation, thanks to the enclosed space.
Control lighting
You can add supplemental lighting to prolong the hours of daylight and maintain the steady growth of your plants during overcast days. This allows you to control your cannabis plants during their vegetative state.
Control the weather and climate
The ability to control the climate inside your greenhouse is critical to producing consistent, high-quality plants. Some greenhouses have windows that you can open or remove for added ventilation and close to trap the heat and humidity inside.
Greenhouses provide a safe space for your plants and protect them from heavy rains. If too much water and moisture are trapped in the cannabis bud, it can cause your plant to rot. You can also install heaters, air conditioners, fans, and dehumidifiers to help control the climate inside your greenhouse.
Conserve energy
Since you’ll be able to regulate light and climate inside the greenhouse, you’ll be able to grow cannabis plants all year round – just like growing them indoors. But growing outdoors using a greenhouse is more cost-effective in the long run. You can save thousands on electricity expenses. Even if you need supplemental light and equipment, it’ll still be cheaper than powering indoor cannabis growing.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know how to dry sugar leaves, how to trim them, and why growing them inside a greenhouse helps, it’s time to kick-start your plant growth. If you’re already growing cannabis, be sure to try growing them in a greenhouse to enjoy its benefits.