Lollipopping: Cleaning Up the Lower Third
The bottom third of a dense plant receives very little light and produces small, airy popcorn buds that take just as long to trim as good flower.
What to remove
Strip the lowest third of growth: thin whippy branches, tiny bud sites, and the leaves down there. Aim for bare stem from the soil up to where real light penetration begins.
When
The standard window is just before the flip, or around day 18-21 of flower. Later than week three and you are removing tissue the plant already invested in.
What you get
Better airflow at the base which reduces mold risk, less trimming work, and energy redirected into the top two thirds of the plant.
Frequently asked questions
- Is lollipopping necessary?
- Not necessary, but almost always worth it in a tent with a single overhead light and no side lighting.
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Legal notice: We do not promote or encourage breaking the law. This site is for adults 21+ growing in states and jurisdictions that have legalized cannabis cultivation, and who are following all legal growing guidelines, plant count limits, and permit requirements that apply to them.