To prune or not to prune...

[bassmechanic27]

Here are my girls under a 400w HPS. Just upgraded to 1000w HPS. Research tells me that a 1000w HPS doesn't penetrate more that 36". Should I cut the bottoms of these ladies to maximize my yield? I have a lot of budding sites down under that will obviously produce popcorn bud, should I cut them off? Thanks!!!

 

[johnyhash]

i would maybe cut some of the lowest branches then lst them to get more light to the lower branches but since they are flowering already might not be a good time to stress em.

 

[Dr Dog]

I would not LST them now, in my experience a touch late for that, if you are already in flowering, you do not want to start bending stalks, will lead to less dense buds, LST should be done in veg. You can easily cut off those lower budsites, yes they will lead to popcorn, but it is pretty much perference.

 

[El Loco Smoko]

I just harvested 10 GDP, and only lollipopped em 1/2.Next time I will do it the full 2/3rds.If it's not a main stalk,it'll just rob your colas.I do it a week before 12-12, and put the cuts in the fridge, so's to gain time.6 plants medical limit, limits what you can do.Hard to keep good genetics going.It feels like murder taking 2/3rds, but come trimming time, you'll enjoy it much more.The scissor hash was unbelievable.

 

[chubbynugs]

I trim off my lower budsites not getting light but honestly i do it so the plants look cleaner and so air can get in the plant. I havent really seen a difference in yield since i dont count the popcorn nugs anyway in the weight. Popcorn is for BHO use.

 

[Rosy Cheeks]

You will not maximize your yield by trimming off budsites bassmechanic. Yes, trimming off budsites will force the plant to grow budsites elsewhere, preferably closer to the light source where they (the flower cluster leaves) can photosynthesize better, produce more carbohydrates and grow bigger (buds).

But everytime you trim, prune or top a plant you stunt it temporarily, which means you loose time.
A trimmed, topped or pruned plant grown under exactly the same conditions as a non-trimmed/topped/pruned plants during the same time period will never yield more than the non-agressed plant. Given more time though, it can outdo the untouched plant.

Some growers seem to have a beef with popcorn buds. Personally, I use them for oil or hashmaking, or why not cooking?
An alternative to trimming is to only harvest 2/3 of the top buds, and leave the smaller, unfinished budsites under the lamp for another 2 - 4 weeks. Cut your plants as low as necessary, clear the budsites and bring the lights down. This works particularly well for Sativas and Sativa hybrids, while some Indica varieties can go 'over the top' if harvested too late.

 

[bassmechanic27]

I'll chop the bottom 10" are so that aren't getting the light they need. Thanks!!

 

[gnarly]

I'll chop the bottom 10" are so that aren't getting the light they need. Thanks!!

From speculation, i can only say that this sounds about right.