Topping Cannabis To Increase Yields | Homegrown Cannabis Co. (2024)

Topping cannabis is a training method that marijuana cultivators use to keep their plants healthy and increase bud production.

Join us as we delve into what topping is, the benefits, and when you should do it. Learn how to apply the technique correctly to improve your yield.

Topping Cannabis To Increase Yields | Homegrown Cannabis Co. (1)

What does topping cannabis plants mean?

Topping marijuana plants is a method of pruning cannabis, where you remove the top portion of your marijuana plant’s main stem. This technique allows your crop to develop faster and bigger because two new tips will emerge from the node below the cutting point.

Topping cannabis shifts their focus on growing only one cola and redirects energy to the lower branches, so they also produce dense buds. The lateral growth will give you a bushier crop with more nugs. You can repeat this process on the lower branches.

Pinching out is another term for cannabis topping because many growers use their thumbs and forefingers to remove the tip. We recommend using a sterilized blade or scissors for the purpose, and we explain more when we show you how to top cannabis plants.

Why is topping cannabis plants necessary?

What’s the reason behind topping cannabis plants? To understand why, let’s look at apical dominance. It’s a botanical phenomenon where the bud on the central stem sends growth suppressing hormones like auxin to inhibit the development of the lower shoots.

Marijuana plants have a strong apical dominance; they grow upright like a Christmas tree. They’re tall and thin, and their branches don’t usually expand laterally because the main stem consumes most of the energy for its development.

Topping marijuana plants overrides the apical dominance and causes the redistribution of growth hormones to help the other shoots develop faster and produce bigger buds. When you remove the tip, two new branches emerge. These new colas may be smaller than the original one, but you get a bigger yield overall.

As the new shoots produce dominant buds, you need to perform cannabis topping on them too. Repeat the process to get a bushier plant. You can apply the Screen of Green (ScrOG) many times to create a very wide canopy with plenty of growing tips.

Height management is the next biggest reason for topping your cannabis plants, especially if you grow in confined areas.

Let’s explore another benefit of having marijuana plants with a wide canopy.

Topping Cannabis To Increase Yields | Homegrown Cannabis Co. (2)

Topping Cannabis To Increase Yields | Homegrown Cannabis Co. (3)

Light distribution and topping marijuana

Before we discuss the importance of light distribution, it’s essential to understand how much sunlight does a marijuana plant need. Topping cannabis is necessary because your plant’s main cola gets most of the light if you don’t. The bud sites on the lower portion receive very little as they’re in the shade.

The light cycle for marijuana is a critical element in your cannabis plant’s growth, leading to an abundant harvest. When your plant grows wide, there’s better light distribution, and all the colas get almost an equal amount during the day.

When to top cannabis plants

Cutting the tip off the main stem causes stress, so you need to know when to top your cannabis plant. The best time to perform the technique is during the vegetative stage, when all the energy goes into your plant’s growth.

The dominant stems develop new nodes, which produce more branches and leaves. You develop a healthy crop by redirecting the growth hormones from the main stem to the new shoots.

Begin topping a marijuana plant when it has 3–4 nodes. We suggest waiting until it develops 5–6 nodes, so it promotes photosynthesis, helping your crop recover quickly. Don’t cut below the fourth node or above the sixth, as this action increases vertical growth.

Hardy marijuana cultivars can deal with early topping. Defer the process on slower-growth strains as they may not recover from stress quickly.

Before topping your cannabis plant, ensure your plant has a strong root system, as it will require less recovery time.

To help minimize the stress, provide it with a conducive environment, such as:

  • Plenty of fresh warm water
  • Sufficient airflow
  • Lots of nitrogen-rich organic nutrients
  • More soil space

Another best time for cannabis topping is at night when most growth hormones are at the roots. Your plant will experience less shock, and there’s a lower risk of slowed development.

Topping Cannabis To Increase Yields | Homegrown Cannabis Co. (4)

Topping Cannabis To Increase Yields | Homegrown Cannabis Co. (5)

When not to top cannabis plants

Avoid topping marijuana plants before they develop a healthy root system because it’s difficult for them to recover quickly from the stress. Your crops need nutrients to repair themselves, and they can’t get enough energy if they don’t have strong roots.

Knowing how to make buds bigger during flowering, you shouldn’t perform marijuana topping during this phase. Your cannabis plants need plenty of nutrients to produce buds. If you top it at this stage, you may end up with very low yields because it’ll focus more energy on recovery than bud production.

How to top cannabis plants step-by-step

Learning how to top a marijuana plant is straightforward. All you need to do is follow this guide:

Get proper tools

Using the right tools is critical to ensure you don’t harm the stem. Ideally, use a pruner, but a pair of scissors or a blade will also do the trick.

When topping marijuana plants, you want a clear cut, so make sure your tools are sharp. Blunt implements can cause bigger damage that’ll mean a longer recovery period.

Disinfect your tools

It’s vital to disinfect your tools before topping your cannabis plant because plant pathogens, such as fungi, bacteria, and other harmful organisms, can cause disease.

Sterilize your implements by:

  • Wiping with an alcohol-infused cotton ball.
  • Dip them in boiling water.
  • Running them through an open flame. Cool it down before cutting the stem.

Cut the stem

Follow the next steps when marijuana topping. Locate the fourth node on the main stem by counting from its base at the soil. This point is adequate if your plant is short. Ideally, choose the fifth or sixth node and cut the stem about two inches higher.

Be vigilant

Topping marijuana plants can cause distress, so watch your crops for a few days. Give them plenty of light and water to help with their recovery. Wait a couple of weeks before the next process.

Top the next two dominant shoots

After a few weeks, two new shoots will appear from the node below the cut. Repeat the cannabis topping process. This time locate a node on each branch by starting from the main stem, then cutting two inches above it.

Topping Cannabis To Increase Yields | Homegrown Cannabis Co. (6)

Topping Cannabis To Increase Yields | Homegrown Cannabis Co. (7)

FAQs about topping cannabis

These are common questions cultivators ask:

Does topping increase yield?

Yes, topping your marijuana plants can increase bud production because:

  • When you cut the tip, two new nodes appear, doubling the number of colas. The buds may be smaller, but their total weight will exceed that of the original nug.
  • By inducing your plant to grow wide, its bud sites will get more light, critical for growth, and higher yields.

Is fimming or topping better?

Most cultivators prefer marijuana topping for a better harvest, but there’s another training method that growers use called fimming. As they increase yields, which technique is better depends on your preference.

The main difference between the two methods are:

  • When topping your cannabis plant, you snip off the whole tip, creating two new shoots. Fimming is more “accidental”, cutting 75% off the top, offering the prospect of more than four colas.
  • Fimmed plants have a weak structure and require support, while topped crops are more stable.

Learn more about the differences between these techniques in our article about “topping vs fimming“.

Can you top plants late in veg?

Yes, you can. Since a longer vegetation phase means bigger plants and larger yields, cannabis topping during this time helps your crop grow bushier and stronger. This process is ideal if you cultivate indoors as you can control when your plants start flowering and avoid topping at the wrong time.

Are topping plants worth it?

Topping marijuana plants is a rewarding technique because it can significantly increase your yields if you do it correctly. You’ll maximize the returns from growing in a small space.

Topping Cannabis To Increase Yields | Homegrown Cannabis Co. (8)

Topping Cannabis To Increase Yields | Homegrown Cannabis Co. (9)

Start topping cannabis today

As a cultivator, you want to harvest huge, delicious nugs after all the hard work that goes into the growth process. Understanding topping cannabis and why you need to do it is essential to help you achieve your goal.

Now that you know how to top a marijuana plant, follow the steps, and you’ll see improved yields. Check out our website if you want expert advice and cultivation tips. We also have an extensive collection of high-quality seeds to add to your garden.

About the author: Parker Curtis

Parker Curtis has around a decade of cannabis-growing experience, specialising in soil-less and hydro grows. He’s mastering outdoor, greenhouse, and indoor grows.

I'm Parker Curtis, and I bring over a decade of cannabis-growing experience to the table, specializing in both soil-less and hydro grows. My expertise spans outdoor, greenhouse, and indoor cultivation techniques. I've witnessed firsthand the intricacies of marijuana cultivation, from seed to harvest, and I've honed my skills in maximizing yields and ensuring plant health.

In the realm of cannabis cultivation, one advanced method that I have extensive knowledge about is "topping." This technique involves the strategic removal of the top portion of a marijuana plant's main stem, redirecting energy to lower branches and promoting lateral growth. Topping not only enhances overall plant health but also leads to increased bud production. As we delve into the article, I'll provide insights into the benefits, the science behind it, and the practical steps to successfully top cannabis plants.

Concepts in the Article:

  1. Topping Cannabis Plants:

    • Topping involves pruning the main stem's top portion to stimulate the growth of two new tips from the node below the cutting point.
    • This redirection of energy promotes bushier growth and increases the production of dense buds.
  2. Apical Dominance and Growth Hormones:

    • Explains apical dominance, where the main stem inhibits the development of lower shoots through growth-suppressing hormones like auxin.
    • Topping overrides apical dominance, redistributing growth hormones to lower shoots, resulting in faster development and larger buds.
  3. Benefits of Topping:

    • Increases overall yield by promoting the growth of multiple colas.
    • Creates a bushier plant with more lateral growth, maximizing bud production.
    • Helps manage the height of cannabis plants, especially crucial in confined spaces.
  4. Light Distribution and Topping:

    • Highlights the importance of light distribution for marijuana plants.
    • Topping ensures that lower bud sites receive adequate light, contributing to better overall growth.
  5. When to Top Cannabis Plants:

    • Recommends performing topping during the vegetative stage when energy is focused on plant growth.
    • Ideal time is when the plant has 3–4 nodes, but waiting for 5–6 nodes promotes better recovery and photosynthesis.
  6. How to Top Cannabis Plants (Step-by-Step):

    • Emphasizes the importance of using proper tools and keeping them disinfected.
    • Guides through the process of locating the node, making a clean cut, and monitoring plant recovery.
  7. FAQs about Topping Cannabis:

    • Addresses common questions about the benefits of topping, a comparison with another technique called fimming, late vegetative stage topping, and whether the process is worth it.
  8. Author's Expertise:

    • The author, Parker Curtis, has extensive experience in cannabis growing, specializing in various cultivation methods.

By applying the knowledge shared in this article, you can enhance your cannabis cultivation skills and achieve larger, more robust yields. If you're looking for more expert advice and cultivation tips, feel free to explore our website and discover a collection of high-quality seeds to elevate your garden.

Topping Cannabis To Increase Yields | Homegrown Cannabis Co. (2024)
Top Articles
Eucalyptus Oil for Hair
5 ways glycerine can be your skin’s best friend!
Spasa Parish
Rentals for rent in Maastricht
159R Bus Schedule Pdf
Sallisaw Bin Store
Black Adam Showtimes Near Maya Cinemas Delano
Espn Transfer Portal Basketball
Pollen Levels Richmond
11 Best Sites Like The Chive For Funny Pictures and Memes
Things to do in Wichita Falls on weekends 12-15 September
Craigslist Pets Huntsville Alabama
Paulette Goddard | American Actress, Modern Times, Charlie Chaplin
Red Dead Redemption 2 Legendary Fish Locations Guide (“A Fisher of Fish”)
‘An affront to the memories of British sailors’: the lies that sank Hollywood’s sub thriller U-571
Tyreek Hill admits some regrets but calls for officer who restrained him to be fired | CNN
Haverhill, MA Obituaries | Driscoll Funeral Home and Cremation Service
Rogers Breece Obituaries
Ems Isd Skyward Family Access
Elektrische Arbeit W (Kilowattstunden kWh Strompreis Berechnen Berechnung)
Omni Id Portal Waconia
Kellifans.com
Banned in NYC: Airbnb One Year Later
Four-Legged Friday: Meet Tuscaloosa's Adoptable All-Stars Cub & Pickle
Model Center Jasmin
Ice Dodo Unblocked 76
Is Slatt Offensive
Labcorp Locations Near Me
Storm Prediction Center Convective Outlook
Experience the Convenience of Po Box 790010 St Louis Mo
Fungal Symbiote Terraria
modelo julia - PLAYBOARD
Poker News Views Gossip
Abby's Caribbean Cafe
Joanna Gaines Reveals Who Bought the 'Fixer Upper' Lake House and Her Favorite Features of the Milestone Project
Tri-State Dog Racing Results
Navy Qrs Supervisor Answers
Trade Chart Dave Richard
Lincoln Financial Field Section 110
Free Stuff Craigslist Roanoke Va
Wi Dept Of Regulation & Licensing
Pick N Pull Near Me [Locator Map + Guide + FAQ]
Crystal Westbrooks Nipple
Ice Hockey Dboard
Über 60 Prozent Rabatt auf E-Bikes: Aldi reduziert sämtliche Pedelecs stark im Preis - nur noch für kurze Zeit
Wie blocke ich einen Bot aus Boardman/USA - sellerforum.de
Infinity Pool Showtimes Near Maya Cinemas Bakersfield
Dermpathdiagnostics Com Pay Invoice
How To Use Price Chopper Points At Quiktrip
Maria Butina Bikini
Busted Newspaper Zapata Tx
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

Last Updated:

Views: 5991

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

Phone: +50616620367928

Job: Real-Estate Liaison

Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.