Pruning hemp in the Flower: Tips for healthy plants and optimum yields

Pruning Hanfpflanzen during Flower is a step that many Grower with mixed feelings. On the one hand, it offers the opportunity to fully utilise the plant's potential: more light reaches the lower Flowers, the plant's energy is directed to the most important areas and the yield can be significantly increased. On the other hand, this intervention also entails risks. Incorrect pruning or poor timing can cause stress and prevent the plant from realising its full growth potential.

But don't worry - with the right guidance, pruning becomes a valuable tool that helps you achieve stronger plants and bigger harvests. The important thing is to find the right balance: How much should be removed without putting too much strain on the plant? When is the best time to intervene? And which techniques ensure the best results?

In this article you will receive clear, understandable instructions that will guide you through the process step by step. We also take a look at the benefits and potential risks of pruning and give you practical tips on how to optimally care for your plants after pruning. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced grower, you'll find all the information you need to get the best out of your plants.

When is the right time to prune?

The flowering phase is one of the most sensitive stages in the life cycle of a hemp plant, which is why the timing of pruning is particularly important. Pruning too early or too late can cause unnecessary stress, which can affect growth and the quality of the harvest. In the first two to three weeks of the flowering phase, also known as the stretching phase, the plant begins to prepare for the formation of Flowers. At the same time, it stretches its shoots to absorb more light. Careful pruning is advisable during this phase. You can remove lower leaves and weak shoots that already receive too little light and only rob the plant of energy unnecessarily. Damaged or diseased leaves should also be removed as they could jeopardise the health of the plant.

From the fourth week of Flower, the plant's focus changes: it now invests intensively in the development of its Flowers. You should avoid major interventions here, as the plant can no longer recover so easily from stress. However, minor corrections are still possible. Selectively remove large leaves that block light and thus impair the growth of the lower Flowers.

In the late flowering phase, i.e. from the seventh week onwards, the scissors should be completely dormant. The plant concentrates all its energy on completing the Flowers and allowing it to ripen. Any additional disturbance could have a negative impact on yield and quality, so it is better to refrain from interventions during this phase.

Techniques for pruning hemp

There are various methods for pruning cannabis during the flowering phase. Each technique has its own specialities and depends on the needs of your plant and your goals. Here is an overview of the most common techniques:

1. Lollipopping

   • Description: Lollipopping involves removing all the leaves and small shoots in the lower third of the plant.
   • Aim: The energy is directed to the upper, light-intensive areas where the largest Flowers occur.
   • Advantage: Fewer small, fluffy buds and a clean airflow under the plant.

2. Entlauben

   • Description: This involves the targeted removal of larger leaves that shade <CLOSS12> or other important areas.
   • Objective: To maximise light transmission and improve air circulation.
   • Advantage: The lower Flowers receive more light, which makes growth more even.

3. Selective cropping

   • Description: You only remove diseased, damaged or dying leaves and unnecessary shoots.
   • Objective: To keep the plant healthy and vital.
   • Advantage: Minimal stress for the plant.

4. Step-by-step trimming

   • Description: Instead of cutting everything at once, you carry out smaller interventions over several days.
   • Goal: To minimise the stress on the plant.
   • Advantage: The plant can adapt better to the changes.

5. Heavy pruning (only in exceptional cases)

   • Description: A radical pruning in which many leaves and shoots are removed.
   • Aim: Often used for severely neglected plants or space problems.
   • Disadvantage: Very stressful and not recommended for the flowering phase.

These techniques can be adapted depending on the situation and experience. Choosing the right method depends on what you want to achieve with your plant.

The right tools: what you need

The right tools and clean work are essential for successful pruning of cannabis plants. With the right equipment, you can make precise cuts and minimise stress for the plant. Here are the most important tools:

• Pruning shears: Sharp, high-quality shears are indispensable. They ensure clean cuts without damaging the plant. Scissors with a curved blade are particularly practical for working on hard-to-reach areas.
• Desinfektionsmittel: Hygiene is the be-all and end-all. Clean your scissors with alcohol or a disinfectant before and after each use to avoid infections.
• Einweghandschuhe: Resin is sticky and can quickly become a nuisance. Gloves protect your hands and prevent dirt from getting onto the plant.
• Collecting tray or base: To prevent cut pieces from falling on the floor, use a bowl or tray to catch the scraps. This makes it easier to dispose of or reuse.
• Good lighting: A bright workplace is important to keep everything in view. A headlamp or a well-positioned light source will help you to work precisely.
• Magnifying glasses (optional): If you need to work in great detail, a magnifying glass or loupe can be useful.

Additional tips for clean working

Always work from top to bottom so that cut leaves do not fall onto areas that have already been worked on. Think in advance about which leaves and shoots you want to remove so as not to stress the plant unnecessarily. If you are working on several plants, you should disinfect the shears between uses to prevent the spread of diseases.

Benefits and possible risks of pruning

Pruning cannabis plants during Flower offers many benefits as long as it is done correctly. By removing large, excess leaves, light transmission is improved so that the lower Flowers are also optimally supplied with light. At the same time, the plant concentrates its energy on the main flowers instead of investing unnecessary resources in smaller, unproductive shoots. Another advantage is the improved air circulation, which reduces the risk of mould and disease. All of this helps to keep the plant healthier and increase the overall yield.

Despite these benefits, pruning also harbours risks. Too many or incorrectly placed cuts can put the plant under stress, which slows down its growth and makes it more susceptible to disease. In addition, the risk of infection increases if tools are not sufficiently disinfected. Incorrect pruning, in which important shoots or leaves are removed, can even reduce the yield instead of promoting it. Particularly in the late flowering phase, pruning too radically can cause the plant to lose the energy it needs to ripen the Flowers.

The trick is to find a balance. It is important to carefully observe how the plant reacts to pruning and to proceed with caution. If you are unsure, it is advisable to carry out the work in several smaller steps instead of pruning everything at once. This minimises the risks and allows you to reap the full benefits of pruning.

Care after pruning: How your plant recovers

After pruning, it is important to give the plant the best possible care so that it can recover quickly and put all its energy back into flowering. After all, pruning is an intervention that stresses the plant in the short term, even if it brings long-term benefits.

Gentle care directly after cutting

After pruning, you should give your plant enough time to regenerate. Ensure that the environmental conditions are optimal:

• Beleuchtung: Avoid too intense lighting conditions directly after pruning. Slightly dimmed lighting helps the plant to cope better with the stress.
• Bewässerung: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. The plant now needs enough water to help the cuts heal.
• Nährstoffe: Don't overdo it with fertiliser. A light dose of flowering fertiliser is enough to promote regeneration without overtaxing the plant.

Watch regeneration

It is important to keep a close eye on your plants in the days following pruning. Take a look at the cuts: They should heal cleanly and show no signs of discolouration or infection. If the plant is recovering well, it will look strong and vigorous again after just a few days.

Supporting measures for a quick recovery

• Luftzirkulation: Make sure that the air in your grow room circulates well. Fresh air helps the plants to reduce stress and prevent mould from forming at the interfaces.
• Temperature and humidity: Keep the temperature at around 22-26 °C and the humidity moderate (40-50 %). Extreme fluctuations can make recovery more difficult.
• Protection against pests: Check regularly for pests on the plants. Pruning makes them more susceptible to attacks.

Patience pays off

The plant will need a few days to fully recover. Give it the time it needs and avoid further interventions during this phase. After a successful recovery phase, the plant will put all its energy back into flowering and you will be rewarded with a healthy plant and a better harvest.

Care after pruning: How your plant recovers

After pruning, it is important to provide the plant with optimal conditions so that it can recover quickly and channel all its energy back into flower formation. Pruning is an intervention that stresses the plant in the short term, even if it is beneficial in the long term. Immediately after pruning, you should provide slightly dimmed lighting, as too intense light conditions could increase stress. At the same time, it is important to keep the soil evenly moist without causing waterlogging, as the plant now needs sufficient water to help the cuts heal.

You should also be careful when adding nutrients. A light dose of flowering fertiliser is sufficient to promote regeneration without overloading the plant. Keep a close eye on the plant in the days following pruning. The cuts should heal cleanly and show no signs of discolouration or infection. If the plant recovers well, it will look strong and vigorous again after just a few days.

Additional measures such as good air circulation are also helpful. Fresh air helps the plant to reduce stress and prevents mould from forming at the interfaces. Keep the temperature in the growing room at around 22 to 26 degrees Celsius and the humidity at a moderate 40 to 50 per cent, as extreme fluctuations can make recovery more difficult. Also check regularly for pests, as the plant may be more susceptible to attack after pruning.

Give the plant a few days to fully regenerate and avoid any further interventions during this phase. Once it has recovered, it will put all its energy back into flowering and you can look forward to a healthy plant and a bountiful harvest.