hello my friend.
Defoliation in week 4: Is it too late?
No, it’s not too late yet, but you need to be selective. Week 3 or 4 is often the time for the last "big clean-up."
The advantage: By removing some large fan leaves that cover the lower bud sites, you improve light penetration and especially air circulation, which reduces the risk of later mold formation.
The risk: If you remove too much, you decrease the plant's ability to photosynthesize, which can even slow down the swelling of the buds.
2. The risk of "hermaphroditism"
A light or moderate defoliation will not turn your plant into a hermaphrodite if the genetics are stable and it is not already under significant stress (light leaks at night, extreme heat).
The blueberry is a robust strain; it handles a little trimming very well.
3. My method to not slow down growth:
Instead of cutting everything at once, I recommend following these steps:
The 10-15% rule: Do not remove more than 10 to 15% of the total foliage at once.
Tucking: Before cutting, try tucking the large leaves under the side branches. If they don’t hold and are really blocking light, cut them off.
Prioritize bottom and middle: Remove leaves that are pointing inward towards the plant or that are directly touching a bud.
Keep the upper leaves: The leaves at the top of the canopy are your most important "solar collectors," don’t touch them.
In summary: Take it easy! You can cut the few large leaves that shade the lower buds without fear. This promotes the development of lower sites without stressing your blueberry. Have a nice day!