There is a wide variety of methods for training cannabis plants available, all to increase yields and make the most of available space. A few examples of plant training techniques are low-stress training, main line, super cropping, topping, FIMing, defoliation, Sea of Green, and others. Your level of experience and personal tastes may play a role in the training method you choose; nonetheless, “topping” is a strategy that is not only easy but also quite effective in increasing yields.
What Is “Topping” Cannabis?
Topping cannabis is a technique for training plants that are intended to promote lateral development to boost production. Cannabis usually produces one major stalk (referred to as the cola) and a few lesser stalks around it when let to develop on its own. Smaller buds are typically produced by these stalks, which has a significant impact on the yield’s overall quality and size.
You can train a plant to produce more colas by “topping” certain parts of the plant. A plant that has more colas has a stronger structure and can support more buds that are bigger than a plant that hasn’t had any colas.
Filming Vs. Topping
The two techniques of topping and filming are addressed together:
For large outdoor producers, topping is regarded as the primary plant-training technique. These growers frequently repeat this procedure numerous times to produce enormous, bushy plants. This method typically results in a plant that is more stable and needs less support. FIMing might be an excellent approach for farmers in tiny places who want to acquire the highest yield. However, certain plants could need extra assistance, so it is a good idea to adequately trellis the garden.
How To Top Cannabis Plants
Although topping and FIMing are both considered to be training tactics, the amount of stress that each one causes varies. Topping is a high-stress technique that transmits growth hormones from a single main cola to multiple colas. The goal of this approach is to develop a plant that is larger and more productive. FIMing is a technique that involves less stress and can help increase the number of colas produced, but the plant will require more structural support as a result of this change.
It is imperative that topping and FIMing be successfully carried out while the plant is still in the vegetative stage before it begins to flower. After the cannabis plant has produced 3-5 and 4-6 nodes, respectively, the perfect time to FIM and TOP the plant has often arrived. These nodes need to be robust and vibrant for the plant to be able to withstand topping.
Step 1: Get Ready
The first step is to get ready for topping. You’ll need a razor blade or a pair of scissors; whichever one you choose, make sure it’s razor-sharp to avoid ripping and clean before using.
Step 2: Cut The Hair
The primary stem is topped by cutting off the most recent growth. In contrast to FIMing, topping typically makes a considerably lower cut. The plant will sprout two sturdy new stalks where you cut as a consequence.
When Low-Stress Training is used in conjunction with Topping, more colas can be produced. FIMing produces 3–8 new stalks, however, the plant is not as well supported as it would be without it.
Step 3: Watch
After you’ve topped your plant, you need to keep an eye on the outcomes. With topping, the plant’s energy is distributed more equally, and you can notice that some of the lower branches “catch up” to the freshly trained stalk. The plant may need a few weeks to finish and recover from this procedure, at which point you can re-top if necessary to get the ideal structure.