i have to disagree with a qualification.

I have had plants that have developed ridiculously huge base fan leaves that live throughought the life cycle. Some are 6-8 long with individuals leaves over an inch wide. They get droopy toward harvest time, but they seem to be awesome photosynthesis generators. I ususally trim the popcorn undergrowth, buth leave these "elephant ears" and it seem to help the overall thrive and become bushier. - maybe I am not not getting the largest colas possbile, but I think I am getting maximum yeild.