Bam....I've grown a buttload of LR's and in EVERY case, it took 70 days until they were ready +/- a couple days....mostly between 70 - 77 days. You definately need to get a 30x jewelers loupe or something like that to check the trics. Dont get impatient, the few extra days will really pay off. As for drying, mine were hung in a cool dark place for about 5-7 days then stored in mason jars. I love growing the LR's and always have a few growing along side my big girls. LR's definately keep the stash full.