Cannabis plants are topped when the top portion of the main stem is removed. Your crop will grow more quickly thanks to this method since two new tips will appear below the cutting spot.
They can change their attention from cultivating only one cola to topping cannabis. As a result, thick buds are produced and energy is directed to lower branches. With lateral growth, you’ll receive a bushier crop and more buds. The lower branches can be used to repeat this operation.
Topping cannabis is sometimes referred to as pinching. Many growers do this with their thumbs or forefingers. But it is advised to use sterile scissors or a blade for this reason.
Why Is It Important to Top Cannabis Plants?
Why is marijuana so well-liked? To comprehend why let’s explore apical dominance. This is a normal occurrence when the central stem bud distributes chemicals that restrict growth, like auxin, to stop the growth of lower shoots.
Cannabis plants have significant apical dominance. As with Christmas trees, they develop. They are tall and slender, and their branches rarely spread laterally since the primary stem uses the majority of the energy required for growth.
Cannabis plants can overcome apical dominance by topping. growth hormones are redistributed, assisting other shoots to grow more quickly and develop larger buds. When you cut the tip, two new branches will grow in their place. Despite being smaller than the original colas, these new ones have a higher overall output.
When To Top Cannabis Plants
Cutting the primary stem tip of a cannabis plant is stressful. This method works best during vegetative growth. Energy is consumed by plant growth. Dominant stems develop new nodes that can grow branches and leaflets. Switching growth hormones between stems can produce a healthy harvest.
Once it has three or four nodes, you can start topping it. When the plant gets 5–6 nodes, wait. This promotes photosynthesis and crop regeneration. Vertical growth will increase. Early-topping cannabis strains are hardy. Slower-growing strains may not recover fast from stress.
Cannabis plants must first develop a robust root system before being topped. It will heal faster as a result of this. By fostering a constructive environment, such as:
- Lots of warm, fresh water Adequate airflow
- a variety of organic nitrogen-rich nutrients
- greater soil area
Another ideal time to top cannabis is at night when the majority of the hormones that promote growth are at the roots. Your plant will grow more slowly and you’ll notice less shock.
How to top a cannabis plant?
Learning how to top a cannabis plant is simple. You may learn how to top a marijuana plant by reading this article.
Buy The Right Tools
To avoid damaging the stem, it’s crucial to use the right instruments. The ideal option is a pruner, but you can also use a knife or a few pairs of scissors. Topping marijuana plants requires making clean cuttings. Make sure your equipment is sharp. Blunt instruments can cause greater harm and take longer to recover from.
Virus Your Tools
Before you top your cannabis plant, clean your instruments. Plant pathogens like fungus and bacteria can lead to disease. Use a cotton ball soaked in alcohol to clean your hands after sterilizing your tools.
Scald Them
Put them in front of a flame. Before you cut the stem, let it cool.
Trim The Stem
To top marijuana, perform the actions listed below. Find and count the main stem’s fourth node that emerges from the ground. This point will do if your plant is little. The best place to cut a stem is about 2 inches above the fifth or sixth node.
Be Watchful
Don’t top cannabis plants. Distress may result from this. Keep an eye on your crops. Give them plenty of light and water to aid in their recovery. Let them rest for a few weeks before moving on to the next phase.
Top Following Dominant Shots
After a few weeks, the node below it will produce two fresh shoots. Top off the cannabis as you normally would. Find the node on each branch next. Cut two inches above the main stem after starting with it.