Lollipopping in cannabis cultivation – How it works

Lollipopping is a targeted pruning technique used in indoor growing where you remove the lower parts of the plant to focus growth on the upper flowering areas. When used correctly, this can significantly improve yields.

What is lollipopping?

The term comes from its appearance: After pruning, the plants look like a lollipop—bare at the bottom, bushy at the top. The goal is to direct light and energy toward the large, upper buds, rather than wasting them on small, underdeveloped shoots.

Why does lollipopping bring more profit?

• 🌞 More light for important flowers – shadow areas are removed
• 🌬️ Better air circulation – lower risk of mold
• 📈 More energy for top buds – no wasted on fluffy mini buds

When is the right time?

Lollipopping should ideally be done one week before the flowering phase , giving the plant time to recover from the pruning.

How Lollipopping Works – Step by Step

1. ✅ Start on day 1 of pre-flowering (usually from week 4-5)
2. ✂️ Remove all shoots & leaves that are below ⅓ of the plant
3. 💧 Water lightly after cutting – less water, less stress
4. 🕯️ Avoid stress in the following days (no repotting or repotting)

Avoid typical mistakes

• ❌ Do not start during the flowering phase – too much stress
• ❌ Don’t cut too radically – ⅓ is a guideline, not a rule
• ❌ Do not use blunt tools – always use sharp, disinfected scissors

Our product recommendations

👉 Trimming scissors & gloves
👉 LEDs with good penetration
👉 Recovery booster after the cut

Conclusion: Simple but effective

Lollipopping is a simple technique with a big impact. Fewer shoots = more power for the all-important buds. If you want to go even further, combine it with the ScrOG method for maximum utilization of your growing space.