How-To Boost Your Autoflowers Flower Power: The Ultimate Lollipop Guide

Discover the secret to growing autoflowers like a pro with the ultimate lollipop guide. Increase your flower power with ease!

Table of Contents

• Why Do Autoflowering Cannabis Plants Flower Small?

• The Lollipop Technique for Increasing Yield

• Other Strategies for Maximizing Autoflowering Cannabis Plants

• Conclusion

Autoflowering cannabis plants are becoming more popular in the cannabis industry. They are known for their fast growth cycles, which are perfect for those who want a quick and easy way to grow their own cannabis plants. However, these plants are also known for producing small flowers, which can be frustrating for growers. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the small flower size of autoflowering plants and how the lollipop technique can help boost your autoflower’s flower power.

Why Do Autoflowering Cannabis Plants Flower Small?

Before we dive into the lollipop technique and how it can help boost your autoflower’s flower power, we need to take a closer look at why autoflowering cannabis plants tend to produce small flowers.

Grow Bigger

Autoflowering cannabis plants have a genetic characteristic that allows them to flower automatically, regardless of the photoperiod they are exposed to. This means that autoflowering cannabis plants have a limited time frame for vegetative growth, which is normally about four weeks. Unlike traditional cannabis plants, autoflowers do not rely on changes in light cycles to trigger flowering. Instead, they will start to flower automatically once they reach a certain age and size.

The limited time frame for vegetative growth is the primary reason why autoflowering cannabis plants tend to produce small flowers. They simply do not have enough time to grow as large as traditional cannabis plants, which can spend several months in the vegetative stage before they start to flower.

In addition to the limited time frame for vegetative growth, other factors can also limit yields. Stress, nutrient deficiencies, and improper environmental conditions can all contribute to a reduction in yield. However, even under ideal growing conditions, autoflowering cannabis plants tend to produce smaller flowers than their traditional counterparts.

The Lollipop Technique for Increasing Yield

Now that we understand why autoflowering cannabis plants tend to produce small flowers, let’s explore the lollipop technique and how it can help boost your autoflower’s flower power.

The lollipop technique is a pruning and defoliation method that can be used to increase light penetration and improve airflow. It involves removing the lower branches and leaves of the plant, leaving only the upper branches and main cola. This creates a “lollipop” shape, hence the name.

The lollipop technique is most commonly used during the vegetative stage, but it can also be used during the early stages of flowering. By removing the lower branches and leaves, light can better penetrate the upper canopy of the plant, which can improve the growth and development of the upper branches and main cola. Improved airflow can prevent mold and other diseases from developing, which can help ensure a higher yield.

Another benefit of the lollipop technique is that it helps redirect the plant’s energy to the upper branches and main cola. By removing the lower branches and leaves, the plant is no longer expending energy on these areas. Instead, it can focus its energy on producing larger and more potent buds on the upper branches and main cola.

Here are some tips for effectively using the lollipop technique:

Tip 1: Use Clean Tools

Make sure to use clean tools when pruning and defoliating your plants. Dirty tools can spread disease and lead to infection. Clean your tools with rubbing alcohol or a plant-safe disinfectant before use.

Tip 2: Prune Early

It’s best to prune your plants early, during the vegetative stage. This allows the plant to recover and redirect its energy before it starts to flower. Pruning your plants during the flowering stage can be stressful and can lead to reduced yields.

Tip 3: Leave Some Leaves

While it’s important to remove the lower branches and leaves, it’s also important to leave some leaves on the plant. Leaves are important for photosynthesis, which is necessary for the plant to grow and produce buds. However, leaving too many leaves can limit light penetration and airflow.

Tip 4: Don’t Overdo It

Be careful not to over-prune your plants. Removing too many branches and leaves can stress the plant and lead to reduced yields. It’s better to start with just a few branches and leaves and see how the plant responds before removing more.

Other Strategies for Maximizing Autoflowering Cannabis Plants

The lollipop technique is just one strategy for maximizing your autoflower’s flower power. Here are some other strategies to consider:

Low Stress Training (LST)

LST is a method of training your plant to grow in a particular direction. It involves gently bending the stems and branches of the plant and tying them down. This can help improve light penetration and promote more even growth. LST is best used during the vegetative stage.

High Stress Training (HST)

HST is a more aggressive method of training your plant. It involves techniques such as topping, fimming, and super cropping. These methods can be stressful to the plant and should only be used by experienced growers. HST is best used during the vegetative stage.

Optimizing Environmental Conditions

Proper environmental conditions are essential for maximizing yield. Make sure your plants are in a temperature and humidity range that is appropriate for their growth stage. Ensure they are receiving the proper nutrients and that pH levels are balanced. Proper lighting is also important, so make sure you are using the right type of light for your plants.

Conclusion

While autoflowering cannabis plants tend to produce smaller flowers than their

 traditional counterparts, the lollipop technique and other strategies can help boost your yield. By pruning and defoliating your plants, redirecting energy to the upper branches and main cola, and optimizing environmental conditions, you can  achieve a more robust and potent harvest.