Topping cannabis plants is a common practice among growers looking to increase their yield and promote a bushier plant structure. By strategically removing the top growth of a cannabis plant, growers can encourage more lateral growth and create more colas, ultimately leading to a higher yield at harvest time. In this article, we will explore the benefits of topping cannabis plants, the best time to top your plants, and the proper techniques for doing so.
One of the key benefits of topping cannabis plants is that it can promote a more even canopy, allowing light to penetrate deeper into the plant and reach more bud sites. This can result in larger, denser buds and a higher overall yield. Topping can also help prevent plants from becoming too tall and leggy, as it redirects growth hormones to the lower branches, encouraging a more balanced and robust plant structure.
It is recommended that you wait until your plants have at least four nodes before topping them, as this will ensure that the plant is mature enough to handle the stress of topping. Most growers recommend topping the plant just above the fourth node, as this will encourage two new main colas to grow in its place. By topping at this point, you can effectively double the number of main colas on your plant, leading to a higher yield at harvest time.
When topping your cannabis plants, it is important to use clean, sharp scissors to make a clean cut just above the fourth node. This will help minimize the risk of introducing pathogens or causing unnecessary stress to the plant. After topping, you may notice that the plant goes into shock for a few days as it redirects its growth hormones, but this is normal and the plant should recover quickly.
In addition to topping, some growers also use techniques such as FIMing (short for "Fuck, I Missed") to further increase their yield. FIMing involves pinching off the top growth of the plant rather than making a clean cut, which can result in multiple new colas forming instead of just two. While FIMing can be effective, it is generally considered more risk and less reliable than traditional topping.
Overall, topping cannabis plants is a valuable technique for increasing yield and promoting a more robust plant structure. By waiting until your plants have at least four nodes and using clean, sharp scissors to make a clean cut just above the fourth node, you can effectively double the number of main colas on your plant and achieve a higher yield at harvest time. Experiment with different topping techniques to find what works best for your plants and growing style, and enjoy the benefits of a healthier, more productive cannabis garden.
