To defoliate or to not defoliate

[dhll999]

To defoliate or to not defoliate that is the question.I have been doing selected defoliation during her growth to open up bud sites but stopped a few days ago so she has gotten farley bushy.She is now going into flower should I keep doing it or stop and let it grow out till she is done. I don't want to slow growth down at this point but i'm inclined to do it to open it up a little bit.Its a white widow autoflower

[Canuck147]

Looks great dhll999 - at this stage and looking at your plant you definitely want to defoliate - open up those bud sites underneath and those will turn into branches - probably every second day you'll be able to open up bud sites.
You'll be surprised how fast she'll fill in the spots you open up.

[SoOrbudgal]

I agree with Canuck147 i love to see through the plant looking down to the soil

[ChadWestport]

Thats a nicely trained and rounded bush you have there. Light defoliation may be a good idea to get some air moving through the center. On plants like this, I want to be sure I can see my hand on the other side through the middle. If I can't, there is too much foliage and it needs a bit of defoliation.

[MagicMike66]

I do a heavy defol just before flower and then about 3 weeks into flower give her another one but not as much. Don’t go crazy on the week 3 defol as the plant will stop producing leaves then and focus on buds only. Plants look great btw

[Canuck147]

It's an autoflower.