Should I cut lower branches at 15 days into flower?

Rondeady

Rondeady

Active Member
So I just ordered a light that i can direct on the underside of this plant to give more light to these lower branches but will it be better if i just chop the lower branches off to make fatter buds on higher stem or will the lower light give me better or just as good results? What is better idea cuz i sort of want to cancel that order? Ive already defoliated enough
 

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DrGreenthumbVT

DrGreenthumbVT

Well-Known Member
That is the age old question that many debate about but the answer really depends on your growing style. I personally do cut the lower branches off and do a lollipop method to focus all the energy on the canopy since the light doesn't penetrate the lowers well anyway. I don't waste the lowers after I cut them off though, I use those for clones for the next round.
 
DrGreenthumbVT

DrGreenthumbVT

Well-Known Member
Given the size of your plants, it likely won't make a huge difference if you keep them on or take them off. Those lowers don't seem to be too shaded so maybe they will bulk up.
 
420_Graze_It

420_Graze_It

Active Member
I've done side by side grows with and without lollipopping and it didn't really impact yield. The only reason I do it is because I don't like dealing the popcorn buds at the end, but some enjoy them for edibles etc. Another positive is it helps lower RH in flower and improve air circulation. Less biomass = less transpiration, more airflow = less chance of PM, not to mention most insects like hiding on the lower leaves.
 
DrGreenthumbVT

DrGreenthumbVT

Well-Known Member
420_Graze_It said:
I've done side by side grows with and without lollipopping and it didn't really impact yield. The only reason I do it is because I don't like dealing the popcorn buds at the end, but some enjoy them for edibles etc. Another positive is it helps lower RH in flower and improve air circulation. Less biomass = less transpiration, more airflow = less chance of PM, not to mention most insects like hiding on the lower leaves.
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All very excellent points 420_Graze_it and I would agree 100%! I would also agree that it doesn't really increase yield at all but it also doesn't diminish them either. (which is a big reason why lot of newer grower tend to shy away from removing them) After enough grows most farmers tend to hate trimming those lower small popcorn buds.
 
Saboo the Shaman

Saboo the Shaman

Well-Known Member
The reasons to do or not do(there is no try) on day 15 of flower(assuming you mean 15 days since changing the light schedule) is to manage the stretch. If I want to slow down the vertical growth during the initial 'flowering stretch' which for most strains is about 21 days, I will defoliate during that time. If I don't want to affect the stretch, I will wait until after 21 days to defoliate or otherwise stress my plants.
 
Diesel0889

Diesel0889

Well-Known Member
I have cut prob up to 21 days in maybe a tad more a few times. Cleans sterile cut should not slow you down but @DrGreenthumbVT has given sound advice. Maybe lollipop the first couple nodes? It's not that big, mine finish 4.5-6ft so I'd cut mine but yours I'd trim off a few nodes and leave it. Lots of good advice here... with that size you may not go wrong either way... happy growing!
 
H

Hempire828

Well-Known Member
On this grow at the 2 week point, I decided to prune the bottom to increase growth on the bud sites that are getting the most light and to limit the smaller underdeveloped buds... seems to be working.. the buds I’m looking at are much fuller now that my nutes are feeding them as well as light.. I don’t feel anything is being wasted...
 
Rondeady

Rondeady

Active Member
Hempire828 said:
On this grow at the 2 week point, I decided to prune the bottom to increase growth on the bud sites that are getting the most light and to limit the smaller underdeveloped buds... seems to be working.. the buds I’m looking at are much fuller now that my nutes are feeding them as well as light.. I don’t feel anything is being wasted...
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Okay then im just gonna chop them then thanks
 
Xs121

Xs121

Well-Known Member
My take

If its shaded... cut it

However...if you can bring light to that lower branch, it might just turn out to be a producer. This is the reason why I defoliate (not for everyone), is to bring light to those areas that otherwise shaded. Based on my experience those lower branches can yield pretty close to the main cola. The only thing I do though in the lower portion of the plant is remove those larfy flowers that shows now and then along the nodes of those branches and focus all energy in the apical flower(bud)

1 gallon pot

7th wk 12-12 (10).jpg
 
Rondeady

Rondeady

Active Member
Xs121 said:
My take

If its shaded... cut it

However...if you can bring light to that lower branch, it might just turn out to be a producer. This is the reason why I defoliate (not for everyone), is to bring light to those areas that otherwise shaded. Based on my experience those lower branches can yield pretty close to the main cola. The only thing I do though in the lower portion of the plant is remove those larfy flowers that shows now and then along the nodes of those branches and focus all energy in the apical flower(bud)

1 gallon pot

View attachment 4429880
Click to expand...
Damn out the 1 gallon? I was afraid mines wouldnt flower good in the one gallon but yours are terrific. Is that from seed or clone? And how much did you yeild from that if you harvested already?
 
Xs121

Xs121

Well-Known Member
Rondeady said:
Damn out the 1 gallon? I was afraid mines wouldnt flower good in the one gallon but yours are terrific. Is that from seed or clone? And how much did you yeild from that if you harvested already?
Click to expand...
Its from seed and that plant is 7 weeks from flip and looks like close to 2 oz (depending how big they swell harvest time). I have 12 of those in a 3x2
 
ismann

ismann

Well-Known Member
Yeah, it's generally good to get rid of the lower shoots but as stated, your plant isn't all that big so in this case it doesn't matter much.

Pull those main top shoots down to horizontal and the lower ones will shoot up. Then just defoliate some of the big fan leaves that cover the lower buds and you good.
 
TintEastwood

TintEastwood

Well-Known Member
While on the subject...
Any pro/cons for when to do the trimming?

Just before lights on?
Just before lights out?
 
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