Lollitopping is a common training term. Remove all but the top few nodes to resemble a lollipop. Michican you know this, why even pretend you don't? I've found it very helpful growing in closets/tents where there is one light and no side lighting. But again, it's done before the flip. Seems crazy to me to leave all those sites below and try to get light to them that will be a lot weaker than the light above because of physics. Almost useless light on the bottom.
Why is defoliation so controversial?
- Thread starter TerrapinBlazin
- Start date
mackdx
Well-Known Member
But you can buy a $500 book that will show you to do it.....
I've done this a bit too but the stronger the lights I use are the less I take off on the bottom. And also sometimes it's strain dependant, my current grow is all one strain and it always produces fat dense lowers so I leave a bit more on.
With a 600 watt hps or a 315 cmh I strip all but the very few top nodes because other wise the penetration just isn't there to grow nice buds down lower after the stretch.
With the 1000 watt de I can get a bit more penetration. So I leave more on. I know you can't tell because of how thick the trellis is but there isn't much under that first level of trellis I do leave a bit more on the isle as they will get good light from being on the isle. I'll come back and post some pics after the leaf strip in a week. At that point you can better see what is going on with the plants as of now all the leaves make it hard to see.
I'm shooting for a 5x18ish canopy that is roughly 3 ft deep on each side of the room. We shall see this is my first time trellising this strain I usually stake them.
EDIT: all that being said the bottom 16-18 inches of my plants are stripped.
Sorry for the glare but I tried to get a pic where you could clearly see how much I took off underneath. Like I said this is my first time running this strain in the new room and with trellis. But I've run it a good bit and it always chunks up on the bottom. Depending how this run goes I can always adjust for more or less on the bottom next time.
Also when I defoliate in a week I'll take any branches that I can tell won't amount to anything.
Also when I defoliate in a week I'll take any branches that I can tell won't amount to anything.
Agreed. All about the yield my man
MICHI-CAN
Well-Known Member
My routine is 1 week prior to flip. Then right up until week 5. But progressively lighter after week 3. The plant and instincts will tell you when and what if you take the time to learn. Haven't seen a "set it and forget" system yet.
In terms of percentage. How much would u say your taking off 1 week before flipping?
MICHI-CAN
Well-Known Member
I have would say 60% indoors and 35-40% out doors. But that has variables. Node spacing, density, growth patterns and shading. It is an acquired skill. Most people lack the actual time and effort it takes to truly be comfortable with it. Most people stumble and curse it. I got up repeatedly lost yield to learn. Now have better yields than ever for plant maturity. Have no step by step. Just a vague time frame and logic for it. Apologies.
I plan on doing this on my first grow. Probably go 40-50% until i get more comfortable.
MICHI-CAN
Well-Known Member
MICHI-CAN
Well-Known Member
Only concrete rule is nothing above the 5th node from the top indoors. And nothing above 3/4 the height of an outdoor plant. Mature shade leaves below that are fair game.
K im going indoor. Any tip for this noob will be most appreciated. Plan on using led with veg flower switch. 1000w led BestVA probably 8 lights for 10-15 plants
MICHI-CAN
Well-Known Member
Just another day in my jungle. They are weeds. Not Swiss time pieces. Simple Natural laws. Take the science and "look at me" out. Anyone can do it if committed to the basics.
Boatguy
Well-Known Member
C
Curious.. Are your outdoor plants flowering? Im at latitude 47 in the northeast, and mine are not
MICHI-CAN
Well-Known Member
S.W. MI. About 4 weeks in. But I only get maybe 80% light the last 3-4 hrs a day. I dont know latitude and to lazy to google.
MICHI-CAN
Well-Known Member
How big is the space? What are the lights?Message me. I have stole the post long enough. Sincerest gratitude and apologies to the OP. Hope I gave you something worthwhile.