The ideal time for lollipopping: vegetative growth or flowering?

Growing cannabis requires not only knowledge of nutrition and lighting, but also skillful use of pruning techniques. One such popular technique is cannabis lollipopping—removing lower branches and weak shoots to form a strong and productive bush.

What is cannabis lollipopping and why is it needed?

Cannabis lollipopping is one of the most popular marijuana pruning techniques used by growers to shape the bush. The essence of the method is that the lower branches and weak shoots are removed, and the plant's main energy is directed towards the development of the upper buds. As a result, the bush acquires a characteristic shape — a narrow stem at the bottom and a massive “cap” of buds at the top, resembling a lollipop on a stick.

This approach to pruning cannabis is considered effective when the grower's goal is to increase cannabis yield and improve flower quality. Because nutrients are not wasted on weak branches, the main buds become denser and more resinous.

Many beginners ask: when should lollipopping be done and is it really necessary? Experienced growers are confident that lollipopping bushes is not just “trimming cannabis bushes,” but a full-fledged element of plant care. It facilitates air and light access to the main shoots, reduces the likelihood of mold and pests, and makes caring for cannabis plants easier and more convenient.

It is important to understand that lollipopping for yield is not a universal solution, but part of a comprehensive approach to shaping marijuana plants. Depending on the stage of development, the level of stress on cannabis plants and the final result can vary significantly. That is why many growers choose the moment so carefully: to do lollipopping during vegetation or already during flowering.

Lollipopping during vegetation: advantages and characteristics

During the vegetation stage, the cannabis bush actively develops, forming leaves and new shoots. It is during this period that cannabis lollipopping is considered the most optimal solution, as the plant tolerates stress more easily and recovers faster.

The main advantages of pruning the lower branches of cannabis during vegetation:

1. Improved ventilation and lighting inside the crown, which reduces the risk of mold and fungus.
2. Redistribution of energy to the upper buds, which helps to increase the cannabis yield.
3. Ease of caring for the cannabis bush, as the lower shoots no longer interfere with watering or fertilizing.
4. Preparing the plant for the flowering phase — proper pruning of cannabis during vegetation sets the foundation for powerful buds in the future.

However, even at this stage, inexperienced growers make mistakes. Many confuse lollipopping with other marijuana pruning techniques, such as the FIM method. It is important to remember that these techniques have different goals: while FIMming is aimed at increasing the number of new shoots, lollipopping bushes is intended to remove weak and unpromising branches.

Typical mistakes in FIMming are often associated with incorrect cutting or too much stress on the plants. The same mistakes can occur with lollipopping:

• Pruning too early — if the bush has not yet gained strength, removing the lower branches will slow down growth.
• Removing too much foliage — the plant may experience stress and take longer to recover.
• Incorrect tools — blunt scissors or inaccurate cuts increase the risk of infection.

Thus, lollipopping during vegetation is the key to forming a strong and productive plant. But as with other methods of shaping a marijuana bush, it is important to consider the balance between benefit and stress.

Lollipopping during flowering: is it worth practicing?

When a plant enters the flowering stage, it begins to expend maximum energy on bud formation. During this period, cannabis lollipopping becomes a controversial practice: some growers completely refuse to prune marijuana, while others continue to experiment in an effort to improve the quality of the top buds.

Features of lollipopping during flowering:

• Only light pruning of the lower branches of cannabis is acceptable in the first weeks, when the bush is still able to adapt.
• Aggressive pruning of cannabis plants at this stage can cause severe stress to the plants and slow down their development.
• Care during the flowering period should be as gentle as possible, otherwise you may lose part of the harvest.

It is important to understand the difference between lollipopping, topping, and other marijuana pruning techniques. While topping is used to increase the number of main buds during the vegetative stage, lollipopping during flowering is aimed more at “final adjustments” and removing useless shoots. It is not a way to increase the number of buds, but a method of improving their quality.

Some growers use lollipopping for the harvest during flowering when they want to achieve dense and resinous top buds. But this practice requires experience and caution: excessive stress during this period can negatively affect the final result.

The main secret of growing is to choose the right moment. Most experienced growers believe that it is best to prune cannabis during the vegetative stage and limit themselves to minimal adjustments during flowering..

This text is for informational purposes only and does not contain instructions for cultivation. Any actions involving plants of the Cannabis genus must comply with the laws of your country/region.