Defoliate right after 12/12?

Good morning friends. Quick question. I flipped my lights a week ago and they are bushy as hell! Ive read not to defoliate withing the first 3 weeks of flipping the light cycle to 12/12 but their getting out of control lol so my question is should i ? Or shouldnt i defoliate at this stage? PhotoPhotoperiods blackberry moonrocks and motor breath 7weeks from seed one week into 12/12 light cycle.


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I wait till stretch finished myself. Then mostly a cleanout for airflow.

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Thats what ive read usually about 3 weeks of stretch. Its so tempting though lol thanks for the response :+1:

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You could always do two smaller trimmings, one now to help lower branches make their way out into the light and another 21 days in to clean up after stretch?

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I do a little defoliating before the flip then the end of week 3 and 6 :love_you_gesture:

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Thats what i was thinking of doing i juat dont want to stun the growth at all. Im used to growing autos which have a low stress level so im not used to defoliating as much.

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Plants look great , I see a couple of large leafs hanging down over the edge of the pots personally I would remove. Good luck my friend !

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Don’t worry, if they are good an health doing a trim won’t slow them down a bit, just force outwards growth, then you can focus on what’s worth keep and what’s not come second trim.

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Awesome thanks for the advise i will trim away lol

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I’m currently dealing with the same thing, I defoliated and lollipopped before flip, and then at 2nd week of flower, I’m currently at the end of the 3rd week and think I should possibly remove more. I’ve included some photos below and would be interested in hearing any recommendations.



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You should always be cautious of leaf removal. Leaves produce the sugars needed to produce flower.

Flip to 12/12, two week transition. When you see buttons count down 21 days then do a defoliation. Remove the bottom third of plant growth and judiciously remove fan leaves as needed for airflow. At day 42 you can do another light defol and continue to remove fans as they yellow and release.

A true Lollipop (FYI) is done just ahead of harvest as a means to reduce the work load AT harvest. It has no bearing on leaf removal before then. The definition has morphed from it’s original use into something different.

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Aloha Kellydans,
I wanted your opinion if I could. I have fem mango Kush entering third week of flower. My last grow was northern lights and I lost three colas due to bud rot. I added a 6 inch fan in my tent and a dehumidifier…and one more 6 inch fan on the way. According to this chart(attached picture), I am right where I need to be with 81° and 62% humidity. A lot of other people are wanting lower humidity, but that is very hard for me to achieve in Hawaii While still giving my tent, fresh ambient air. I am hoping that increased canopy airflow and following this chart will get me across the finish line with no bud rot. Please let me know your thoughts.
Mahalo!!!



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You will see alot of opinions on how to defoliate or if even necessary. Personally i like to defoliate as i go throughout the grow. Every plant is different on how much is needed and at different times. Just do not overdue it and too much at once. I try to get the bottom third trimmed b4 the flip. Another defol right after stretch. Not every plant would be ready at day 21…so going by how many days is not best way to go about it. Just go easy and as you go, each grow, you will become more comfortable and confident.

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Plants look great , Two circulating fans and exhaust fan on 24/7 is a good plan. I don’t think your numbers is bad. I don’t go chasing numbers I give my plants the best environment possible winter or summer and roll with it. Good luck my friend :v:

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