Drying & curing targets
| Phase | Duration | Temp | RH | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | 7–14 days | ~15.5–21°C (60–70°F) | 55–62% | The "60/60" rule (60°F/60%RH) is the classic slow-dry target. Dark, gentle airflow, never ON the buds. Done when small stems snap, not bend — which lands around 12–14% moisture, the point where mould risk drops off sharply in the largest post-harvest survey to date. |
| Cure | 2–8+ weeks | Room temp, dark | 58–65% in-jar | 62% humidity packs are the lazy-proof anchor. Burp jars daily week 1, then taper. |
Rushing the dry is the most common way good grows become mediocre jars — chlorophyll needs time to break down. If buds feel crispy outside but stems bend, jar them and let moisture equalize before judging.
Common questions
What temperature and humidity should I dry at?
The common target is around 60°F and 60% RH, then curing near 62% RH. What matters most is reaching roughly 12–14% moisture (water activity 0.65–0.70), the point where mould risk drops sharply in the largest post-harvest survey conducted so far.
Is slower drying really better?
Less certain than the hobby consensus suggests. The best-controlled study available dried faster in a controlled atmosphere and preserved terpenes better while cutting mould. The defensible principle is cooler and controlled, not simply slower.
How should I store it after curing?
A year-long study found whole flower at 4°C in the dark performed best; 25°C was the worst temperature tested, and grinding made degradation worse. Terpenes decline under all storage conditions — storage slows the loss, it does not stop it.
What actually causes mould?
Inadequate drying, leaf litter, warm humid microclimate in the bud, and handling. The same survey found hang-drying whole stems and good air circulation reduced yeast and mould counts.
Sources: Buirs & Punja 2023, Frontiers in Microbiology — 2,000+ samples on mould risk and dry targets · Milay et al. 2020, Frontiers in Plant Science — a year of storage; whole flower at 4 °C won · Birenboim et al. 2024, Plants — controlled drying, 60% faster, terpenes preserved
- Hygrometer for jars or bins — cure by number, not by feel — 62% is the target
- 62% humidity control packs — holds the cure steady while you burp
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