Introduction
In the current growing climate every grower seems to be interested in one thing, how to maximize their harvest. Topping is a technique that has been developed to allow us to gain more control over the cannabis plants that we grow and maximize their indoor growing potential. There are other methods you can use, such as super-cropping and LST, these methods can be useful however this guide will focus on topping.
Understanding Plant Growth Patterns
Cannabis plants follow a growth pattern known as apical dominance, where the main stem grows more dominantly than the side branches. Topping is the process of cutting off the top of the main stem, which disrupts this dominance and encourages the growth of two main stems instead of one.
In order to top your cannabis plant you need to remove the main shoot which is located on the central stem of the plant. The removal of this shoot will encourage the plant to grow out horizontally and become somewhat bush like in appearance. This is perfect if you are growing with limited resources indoors and need to make the most of a limited light source, this is excellent for guaranteeing a good harvest for growers of any skill level.
The Best Time to Top Cannabis Plants
Timing is vital when it comes to topping. The optimal moment is when your plant has developed 3 to 5 nodes. This stage indicates that your plant is strong enough to recover from the topping process and will respond by growing multiple branches.
Step-by-Step Guide to Topping Cannabis Plants
- Identify the topmost node on your plant’s main stem.
- Carefully cut above the node, leaving a small amount of stem above the node to prevent damage to the growth below.
- Discard the cut portion, or consider propagating it if desired.
How Topping Works
The science behind why topping works is not too complex, the center of growth control for the plant is located within the main shoot of the plant. The main shoot of the cannabis plant sends a variety of repressive hormones down to the lower shoots in order to stop them growing rapidly.
This means that all of the plants energy is focused on the development of the main shoot. By removing this main shoot you enable the branches below to grow at their full rate, however you will need to make sure that you have enough lower plant development prior to topping your plant to enable it to recover.
Aftercare Following Topping
After topping, focus on providing your plant with optimal care—adequate water, nutrients, and light. Monitor the plant for signs of stress and adjust your care routine accordingly. There will be a short period of time when your plant is in a somewhat limbo state. The plant will cease all activity until it recovers and adapts, it will then resume vegetative growth as soon as its hormone levels return to normal.
It should take no longer than 5-7 days for this to happen, however some plants react poorly to being topped and it could stunt their growth for a while, before you top your plant make sure you do some stain specific research.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One common mistake is topping too early or too late in the plant’s life cycle. Ensure your plant is at the right growth stage and healthy enough to withstand the stress of topping. Another mistake is making a sloppy cut, which can harm the plant more than help it. Always use clean, sharp tools.
Conclusion
Topping is a powerful technique to increase your cannabis plant’s yield by encouraging it to grow more branches and, therefore, more flowering sites. By understanding the proper timing and method for topping, and by combining it with other plant training techniques, you can significantly improve your cannabis growing success. Happy growing!
