Day 17 from sprout. I've started using a foliar spray instead of my normal water-only foliar. 5ml/g Emerald Goddess. I just happened to see this suggested in their Amazon questions and they seem to really enjoy it. She has been topped on every node and will get one more top around day 25. Then I will let them veg for 10 more days before the flip. This usually leaves me with between 12 and 18 super dense tops.
Nice work defoliating. Do you trim the fan leaves from the tops earlier so they don't shade the canopy? I started leaving the fan leaves on the bottom and trimming off the ones on top for light. Those bud stalks are going to look fine when you are done.
@oxieg3ngrows, I think its a great idea. I've been doing the same thing for awhile now. The hardest part is pruning those lower branches! I tear up every time I cut off one of those tiny little bud branches. It certainly changes the contents of your jars of herb at the end. I used to half a full mason jar full of tiny little buds. That isn't the case anymore. Now I have a lot more jars of bigger, denser buds. I do think I have a small reduction in overall yield though. Good luck on your grow!
@Quexos, i leave a couple of leaves on the top but i pull everything from the bottom 1/3 of the plant. 100% pull it. its all going to be airy flower and that energy can be used instead to make your tops better.