Harvest Ready ? Suggestions?

[marcymcee]

Hey everyone!

Im a first time grower so please go easy on me.

I have started my seedlings end of April, pretty sure that was too late.
I am growing Havana and Cuban creola.
I have grown them inside until august and moved then outside since I ran out of space inside and the were growing really thin stems und would break easily.
Since they have been outside they are doing a lot better, but they haven’t flowered yet. ( pretty sure one is starting to)
Now being in October we are having our first frost here in Missouri. Now I am wondering if they are ready for harvest or should I move them inside so they can keep growing.
I have already harvested a few leaves that turned yellow.
I am going to attach a few pictures
Open to any suggestions and help from you all.
Appreciate it !

Marcymcee

 

[deluxestogie]

I would suggest that you forgo collecting seed this season, and top the plants—and bring them indoors prior to becoming frosted. Topping will accelerate maturation.
When you see a slight yellowing at the tip of a leaf that is also rugose (somewhat rumpled texture, rather than just a flat leaf), then it can be primed (harvested). The primed leaves will need to remain in a humid enough environment long enough to at least turn yellow (like the ones in your 3rd photo), rather than flash-dry green. Once yellowed, they can be allowed to dry and die, completing the color-curing by turning from yellow to brown.

Bob