When to defoliate autoflower ?

[TysonTheDog]

Hi guys I am new to AFN

This is my 4th auto grow and I am at day 14 from seed . I need help for defoliation schedule/timing for autos ( I have experience with photos )

After my readings and research , as far as I understand , I need to strip 1/3 of bottom fan leaves 3-4 days after they start flower stretch . After they finish stretch I can do a light defoliation to upper fan leaves for better light penetration ( 5-6 fan leaves at a time ) . I also plan to top some of them at day 21 to create an even canopy because they are 3 different strains with different heights ( I topped my last auto grow all with success) am I correct with all these ?

Recirculating drip feed hydro
Temps:26
Hum:%60
Fastbuds auto skunk,chemdawg,Russian
600watt cob leds in 5x5

Thanks

 

[Eephus]

Hey man, personally I don't defoliate unless absolutely necessary (extremely poor light penetration for example, and selectively if it comes to that) Those leaves are basically solar panel for your plant. The less there are, the less conversion of light into energy. Just my 2 cents....Cheers

 

[Capt.Quirk]

You've enough plants to do a comparison grow and see what works for YOU. Auto BlueBerry Domina