How to Lollipop Cannabis

If you’ve been growing weed for a while, you’ve probably heard of the technique called “lollipopping.” This method helps your plant focus its energy on producing larger, denser buds by removing the lower growth that doesn’t get enough light. By focusing on the top, your cannabis plant ends up with bigger yields and better results. Sound interesting? Let’s dive in, and I’ll guide you through it.

What Is Lollipopping?

Lollipopping is a pruning technique where you trim the lower parts of the plant, leaving it looking like a lollipop—bare at the bottom with all the action at the top.

Understanding the Lollipop Technique

This technique focuses on removing the lower branches and leaves that are shaded by the upper parts of the plant. These sections usually won’t get enough light and produce small, airy buds. By eliminating them, you’re encouraging the plant to concentrate its energy on the top buds, where the light is strongest.

Benefits of Lollipopping for Cannabis Plants

There are a lot of perks to lollipopping. First, it helps improve airflow around the plant, which reduces the risk of mold and mildew. Better airflow means healthier growth. You’ll also get better light penetration to the top of the plant, which results in denser, more potent buds. And lastly, this technique helps growers optimize energy use by focusing on more productive areas of the plant.

When to Lollipop Cannabis

Timing is everything with lollipopping. You want to do it just before the plant starts flowering so that it can focus on growing those upper buds.

Ideal Timing in the Growth Cycle

Most experienced growers agree that the best time to lollipop is around week 3 of the flowering stage. By this point, the plant has stretched, and you can clearly see which parts won’t get enough light. You don’t want to prune too early because the plant needs its leaves for photosynthesis during the vegetative stage.

Why Week 3 of Flowering Is the Best Time

Week 3 is perfect because the plant is transitioning into focusing on bud production. If you wait too long, you risk stressing the plant and impacting your yields. If you do it too early, the plant might not have enough leaves to support its growth.

Effects of Early vs. Late Lollipopping

Pruning too early can stunt the plant’s growth because it’s losing leaves that it needs to absorb light. On the flip side, if you prune too late, the plant will have already wasted energy on the lower branches, reducing the potential for bigger yields at the top.

Tools and Preparation

To lollipop properly, you need to have the right tools. Thankfully, you don’t need much—just a few basics.

Essential Tools Needed for Lollipopping

All you really need is a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or scissors. These will help you make clean cuts without damaging the plant. Wearing gloves is also a good idea to avoid the sticky resin from the plant.

How to Sterilize and Prepare Equipment

Before you start, use rubbing alcohol to sterilize your scissors. This is key to preventing the spread of diseases from plant to plant. Keep your tools clean before, during, and after pruning to protect your cannabis plants.

Inspecting Plants Before Pruning

Before you start cutting, take a good look at your plant. Identify the lower branches and leaves that aren’t getting much light. These will be the ones you remove to help the plant focus on producing quality buds at the top.

Step-by-Step Guide to Lollipopping Cannabis

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually lollipop your plants.

Identifying Lower Growth to Remove

Start by identifying any branches and leaves that are shaded by the top canopy. If they’re not getting much light, they’re not going to produce good buds. These are the ones you’ll want to cut off.

Step 1: Remove Lower Branches and Leaves

Begin at the bottom and trim away any branches and leaves that are not receiving enough light. You should remove about a third of the lower growth. This will help the plant focus its energy on the upper bud sites.

Step 2: Prune Interior Branches for Better Light Penetration

After clearing the lower part of the plant, focus on the middle. Remove any branches that are blocking light from reaching the top of the plant. This will ensure that the upper buds are getting all the light they need.

Step 3: Final Trimming to Shape Your Plant

Lastly, shape the remaining branches. You want the plant to be well-structured with plenty of airflow and light reaching the top. Don’t overdo it—just enough to direct energy to the upper buds.

Additional Tips and Tricks for Lollipopping

Here are some extra pointers to help you get the most out of your lollipopping technique.

Combining Lollipopping with Other Techniques (e.g., ScrOG, Topping)

Lollipopping works well with other cannabis-growing techniques, like ScrOG (Screen of Green) or topping. These methods further enhance light exposure and help direct energy to the upper growth of the plant, giving you bigger, better yields.

Managing Energy Focus for Larger Buds

By regularly removing lower growth and focusing on the top buds, you help the plant concentrate its energy where it matters most—on the bigger, denser buds at the top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Be careful not to remove too much. Over-pruning can stress the plant, reducing its growth and your final yields. Also, remember that timing is everything—don’t lollipop too early or too late.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lollipopping

Let’s break down the pros and cons of lollipopping cannabis.

Pros: Maximizing Yield and Potency

• Bigger, denser top buds
• Improved airflow, reducing the risk of mold
• More efficient use of the plant’s energy for better growth

Cons: Risks of Over-Pruning

• Potential to stress the plant if done incorrectly
• Reduced overall growth if you prune too much
• Requires careful timing for best results

FAQs

What is the best time to lollipop cannabis?

Week 3 of the flowering stage is ideal. This allows the plant to focus energy on the top buds before they fully develop.

Can you lollipop autoflowering strains?

Yes, but only on larger autoflowering strains. Smaller plants may not benefit as much due to their shorter life cycle.

How far up should I lollipop my cannabis plant?

Trim away about one-third of the lower growth. Focus on branches that don’t get enough light.

Does lollipopping increase yield?

Yes, by concentrating the plant’s energy on the top bud sites, you can increase both the size and potency of your yields.

What are the signs of over-pruning?

Signs include slow growth, yellowing leaves, and reduced bud formation. Over-pruning stresses the plant, impacting its health and yield.

Lollipopping is a fantastic technique to help your cannabis plants produce bigger, denser buds. By focusing the plant’s energy on the top and removing lower growth, you can improve your yields and the overall quality of your harvest. Just remember: timing and balance are key, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful grow!