noshybridef...it's 12 and 12 not 12 to 12. You can put them into that regiment anytime you wish and even if it's a four inch plant it will start to flower. The huge leaves help the plant grow by using the sun's energy and is a sign that it is healthy but don't sweat it; you can snip them off close to the stock and a branch will appear in its place. Shit, even if you dont snip them a branch will show up there.