When Should I Lollipop My Outdoor Plants?

Lollipopping is a technique used by outdoor gardeners to create a manicured and well kept look for their plants. It involves selectively pruning foliage and flowers from the lower parts of the plant, while allowing the top part to grow and mature.

This technique allows gardeners to increase light exposure, airflow, and promote more vigorous growth in the top of their plants.

When should you lollipop your outdoor plants? The answer depends on what type of plant you are growing and what goals you are trying to achieve.

If you are looking for a dense canopy of foliage or blooms, then lollipopping may not be the best choice. However, if you want to maximize light penetration and airflow for better yields, then lollipopping can be beneficial.

For most annuals and perennials, it is best to wait until they have reached their desired height before beginning to lollipop them. This will allow them enough time to establish strong root systems as well as develop an even canopy of foliage. If your goal is large yields or maximum growth potential then it is best to wait until plants are at least 12-18 inches tall before cutting back any foliage or flowers.

For vegetable plants such as tomatoes or peppers, it is best to begin pruning once they reach 18-24 inches tall. This will give them enough time to put out healthy foliage while still allowing enough light penetration and airflow needed for robust growth.

Conclusion:

When deciding when to lollipop your outdoor plants, it’s important to first consider your goals for the plant. For most annuals and perennials, it’s best to wait until they reach their desired height before beginning pruning. For vegetables such as tomatoes or peppers, it’s best to start pruning once they reach 18-24 inches tall in order for them to develop an even canopy of foliage with enough light penetration and airflow for robust growth.

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Samantha Mckinney