Pruning techniques drastically increase yields. When, how and where to prune for maximum flower production.
Cannabis pruning is one of the most important techniques for increasing yields:
**Topping (cutting the main stem):**
*Timing for topping:*
- 5-7 nodes developed
- Vegetative phase, never in flower
- At least 1 week before flowering changeover
- Healthy, vigorous plants only
- In the morning with low humidity
*Topping technique:*
- Use clean, sharp scissors
- Cut above the 4th-5th node
- Cut at an angle for better healing
- Only main shoot, leave side shoots
- Disinfect the wound with cinnamon
*Topping result:*
- 2 new main shoots develop
- Plant becomes bushier
- More even light distribution
- 20-40% higher yields possible
- 1 week stress recovery
**FIMing (F*ck I Missed):**
*FIMing vs. topping:*
- Incomplete cutting of the shoot tip
- remove 75% of the tip
- 4-8 new shoots instead of 2
- Less stress than topping
- More unpredictable results
*FIMing execution:*
- Pinch young shoot tip with fingernails
- Or leave 25% of the tip with scissors
- Only new, soft shoots
- Possible with 3-4 nodes
- Multiple FIMing possible
*FIMing advantages:*
- More new shoots as topping
- Less stress
- Faster recovery
- Can be used more often
- Particularly effective with sativas
**Lollipopping (removing lower branches):**
*Lollipopping purpose:*
- Redirect energy to main colas
- Clear lower, shaded areas
- Improve air circulation
- Avoid popcorn buds
- Mould prevention
*Lollipopping timing:*
- First 2 weeks of the flowering phase
- After stretch phase
- Never later than week 3 flowering
- Gradually over several days
- Do not remove more than 1/3
*Lollipopping method:*
- Clear lower 1/3 of the plant
- Remove weak side shoots
- Retain large fan leaves
- Only branches without direct light
- Clean cuts on the trunk
**Defoliation (defoliation):**
*Strategic defoliation:*
- Selectively remove large fan leaves
- Let light through to lower flowers
- Improve air circulation
- Remove only healthy leaves
- Maximum 20% per session
*Defoliation timing:*
- Day 1 of the flowering phase
- Day 21 of the flowering phase (last time)
- Never on stressed plants
- Not for diseased leaves
- Allow recovery time
*Defoliation technique:*
- Remove leaves at the petiole
- Do not tear, clean cut
- Large, shady leaves first
- Remove leaves with 50%+ damage
- Allow wounds to heal
**Supercropping (bending stems):**
*Supercropping principle:*
- Inner fibres break, outer skin intact
- Stem becomes bendable
- Hormone structure changes
- Stronger growth after healing
- Border area between LST and HST
*Supercropping version:*
- Roll stem between fingers
- Create slight pressure points
- Slowly bend until "crack"
- Outer skin must not tear
- Immediately in desired position
*Supercropping recovery:*
- Lump forms at the fracture site
- Increases nutrient transport
- 24-48h for first healing
- Stronger stem after 1 week
- Fix cracks with tape
**Variety specific
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