Defoliation
Did you know that most commercial cannabis growers depend on defoliation and pruning to maximize their yields? These techniques aren’t just widely used—they’re scientifically proven to help grow healthier, more productive plants. Without proper pruning, your cannabis plants are at risk of attracting pests like spider mites, thrips, and aphids, or even developing mold. However, when done correctly, defoliation and pruning can result in larger buds, more trichomes, and significantly higher yields—all while reducing the risk of pests and disease. For the outdoor grower the process is exactly the same, but since you can’t know exactly when marijuana plants switch to flower, wait to defoliate until your plant has stopped stretching, and started forming bud sites.
When Should You Defoliate and Prune Your Cannabis Plants?
At Home Grower Consulting, we follow a strategic three-stage defoliation process. The first stage begins during the vegetative phase, the second takes place 3-4 weeks into flowering, and the final stage is carried out right before harvest to optimize results.
STAGE 1 OF DEFOLIATION
The first stage of defoliation is designed to remove excess leaves that obstruct airflow around the plant. This process also promotes better transpiration, which in turn encourages healthier growth. The initial stage of defoliation typically takes place during weeks 3 to 4 of the vegetative phase. At this point, the plant is growing rapidly, and its dense foliage can block light from reaching the lower sections. By removing these leaves, you ensure improved light penetration and airflow, creating optimal conditions for the plant's development. The first stage of defoliation focuses on building a robust canopy structure during your plant's early growth. By removing old, shaded leaves and trimming small, weaker branches, the plant can redirect its energy to the healthier, stronger branches and leaves. This process helps establish a solid and resilient foundation for future growth. Some strains may need additional defoliating right before you enter the flowering phase. Build a strategy in the way you defoliate, as the leaves are still very important so don't take to many. Stage 1 can be repeated every 2 weeks when growing outdoors.
STAGE 2 OF DEFOLIATION
Stage 2 of the defoliation and pruning process is the most critical step. Conducted after the flowering stretch phase which is week 1-4. During this time the cannabis plant continues to vegetate and will grow 25-50 percent larger. This stage focuses on "cleaning up" by removing small, shaded leaves and eliminating minor bud sites at the base of the plant that wont get much light, or is so small that it wont produce much, or that would otherwise produce airy, popcorn-like buds, depending on the strain. The goal here is to start preparing for the next stage. Remove large fan leaves at this point because all the bud sites capable of developing into large, dense flowers need as much light as possible.
Pre-Harvest Defoliation
This is the exciting part! It’s time to get up close and personal with your plants. By now, you’re likely just a week or two away from harvest, and you’ll notice the delightful aroma they’ve developed. During this stage, it’s time to remove all fan leaves that don’t have trichome heads. This simple step not only makes trimming your buds much easier later but also allows more light to reach the lower buds during their final week of flowering. As a result, these buds can mature more evenly with the ones at the top.