How To Top Cannabis Properly

Cannabis topping removes the main stem (or apical meristem) from a cannabis plant. This is typically done to encourage lateral (side-to-side) growth instead of vertical growth. This process can be done for both indoor and outdoor cannabis plants.

However, it is best to do this process when it is relatively young because it is easier to manage. Older, taller cannabis plants may require more topping to achieve the same results.

Some of the requirements for topping include;

• A sharp knife or scissors
• A ruler or measuring tape
• An area with good airflow
• Cannabis plants that are at least six weeks old

Steps on How to Top Cannabis Plants

Topping cannabis is a simple process, but it does require some precision. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to top cannabis plants;

1. Start by examining your plant and finding the main stem. The main stem is the tallest part of the plant and typically has the most leaves.
2. Once you have found the main stem, use a sharp pair of scissors or a knife to cut it just above a node. A node is a point on the stem where leaves or branches grow. Using a sharp knife or scissors to make a clean cut is best.
3. After cutting the main stem, you will want to wait a few days to see how the plant responds. The plant will likely start to grow lateral branches (side-to-side) to compensate for the loss of the main stem.
4. Continue to monitor the plant; if it seems to be struggling, you can remove more of the main stem. Removing no more than 50% of the main stem at a time is best. Top-heavy plants may need to be staked or supported to prevent them from toppling.
5. You can discard the main stem or save it for later use.
6. Allow the plant to recover for a few days before repeating the process. If you notice that the plant is not responding well to topping, you can stop and allow the plant to recover.
7. Top your plants every 2-4 weeks for best results.

Why Top Cannabis Plants?

Topping is an essential step in achieving optimum yields in a cannabis grow-op. Here are some of the main reasons growers choose to top their plants;

1. Removing the main stem can also help increase air circulation and light penetration to the lower parts of the plant, improving yields. Air circulation is essential in humid environments, as it helps prevent mold and mildew development. Light penetration is necessary for all cannabis plants, but it’s especially vital for growers who are using high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, as these can be pretty intense and hot.
2. Topping also forces the plant to develop more branches and nodes, which increases the number of potential flowering sites. This is beneficial because it allows the grower to produce more buds, even if they’re smaller in size.
3. Topping also helps create a more even canopy, which is vital for maximizing yields and preventing light burn. A more even canopy will help ensure that all parts of the plant get the same light, leading to more even growth.
4. Topping can also make it easier to control the shape of your plants, especially if you are growing them in a confined space. The shape of your plants can significantly impact yields, so it’s essential to control it. For example, growing in a sea of green (SOG) setup, you will want to have shorter, more compact plants. This can be achieved by topping early and often.
5. Last but not least, topping can also help increase your bud’s THC content. This is because when you remove the main stem, the plant will put more energy into developing lateral branches and flowers (buds), which contain higher levels of THC.

When Should I Top my Cannabis Plants?

The ideal time to top your plants will depend on your growing method. There are many factors to consider when deciding when to top your cannabis crops. Below are some of those factors and how they affect the timing of topping;

The Size of Your Plants

The size of your plants will significantly impact when you should top them. If you are growing in a small space, you will want to top your plants early, so they don’t get too big. On the other hand, if you have a lot of space, you can afford to let your plants grow taller before topping them.

The Type of Lights You Are Using

The lights you use will also affect when you should top your plants. If you use high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, you will want to top your plants early, so they don’t get too tall. This is because HID lights can be intense and hot, so you don’t want your plants to get too close. On the other hand, if you use LEDs or CFLs, you can afford to let your plants grow taller before topping them.

The Stage of Growth

The stage of growth will also affect when you should top your plants. If you are in the vegetative stage, you will want to top your plants early so they don’t get too big. If you are in the flowering stage, you can afford to let your plants grow taller before topping them.

The Weather Conditions

The weather conditions will also affect when you should top your plants. If it is hot and sunny outside, you will want to top your plants early so they don’t get too tall. If it is cold and cloudy outside, you can afford to let your plants grow taller before topping them.

In Conclusion

Topping your cannabis plants can have many benefits, including increasing yields, improving air circulation, improving light penetration, and increasing THC content. The ideal time to top your plants will depend on your growing method, the size of your plants, the type of lights you are using, the stage of growth, and the weather conditions. Keep these factors in mind when deciding when to top your cannabis crops.