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If you want to learn how to top a cannabis plant, then you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know in order to get the best results. We’ll cover topics like how to choose the right time to top your plant, what type of cuts to make, and how to properly care for your plant afterwards. By the end of this post, you’ll be an expert on topping cannabis plants!
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Introduction
Once you have achieved the desired height for your cannabis plant, you may want to consider topping it. Topping is when you remove the main cola (the primary source of flowers/buds) and allow the secondary colas (side branches) to grow and produce flowers. This results in a plant that is shorter with more buds. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, topping actually increases the yield per square foot, making it a worthwhile technique for commercial growers.
Topping is a simple procedure that can be done with a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Cut off the main cola about 1-2 inches above a node (where the leaves branch off). You should see new growth within a week or two. Once the new growth appears, you can top again if desired.
There are some caveats to keep in mind when topping. First, make sure your plant is tall enough before attempting to top it. If it’s too short, you risk stunting its growth. Second, only top healthy plants – those that are free of pests and diseases. Topping a sick plant will only compound its problems. Finally, be prepared to increase your watering and fertilizing schedule once you start topping, as your plant will be putting out more new growth than usual.
If done correctly, topping can be a great way to increase your yield without having to increase the size of your grow space. Just remember to start with healthy plants and be prepared to give them a little extra love during the vegetative stage.
The Planting Process
One of the most important things to do when planting a cannabis plant is to ensure that the soil is of good quality. The soil should be loose and aerated so that the roots can easily spread out and absorb nutrients. It is also important to add some organic matter to the soil to help the plant grow.
Planting the Seeds
Planting the seeds is a delicate process because you don’t want to damage the tap root. I like to use a small cup or glass to plant my seeds in. I gently push the seed into the soil until it is about half an inch deep. After that, I add water to the cup until the soil is moist, but not wet. You don’t want to overwater the seeds because they will start to rot.
To make sure the soil stays moist, I put the cup with the seed in it on a saucer or plate. I keep an eye on it and add water to the saucer as necessary. In a few days, you should see a little white shoot coming up out of the soil. This is the beginning of the tap root. Once you see this, you can move your plant to a pot or other container.
Caring for the Seedlings
Once your seeds have germinated, it’s time to start caring for your seedlings. For the first few weeks, they will be very delicate and need special care. Here are some tips on how to care for your cannabis seedlings:
-Keep them in a warm place with plenty of light. Cannabis seedlings need a lot of light, so if you’re growing them indoors, make sure they are in a bright spot. A south-facing window is ideal.
-Water them regularly, but don’t overwater. Seedlings are very sensitive to overwatering, so make sure the soil is just barely moist. Stick your finger in the soil to check.
-Give them a gentle breeze. Seedlings also like a little breeze, so if you can provide a fan or other source of moving air, that will help them grow strong stems.
-Transplant them when they get too big for their pots. Once your seedlings have grown a few inches tall, they will need to be transplanted into larger pots. Be careful not to damage the roots when you do this.
Transplanting the Seedlings
Now that your seeds have germinated and are growing into healthy seedlings, it’s time to transplant them into their forever homes. If you’re growing in soil, you can transplant directly into your chosen pots or grow bag. If you’re growing in hydroponics, you’ll need to add your seedlings to your chosen system.
When transplanting, be careful not to damage the fragile root systems. Gently loosen the roots and replant at the same depth they were growing at before. Water well and keep an eye on your seedlings for the next few days, making sure they don’t dry out or become too wet.
If all goes well, your seedlings will quickly adjust to their new homes and continue to grow rapidly!
The Flowering Process
The flowering process is the final stage of a cannabis plant’s life cycle. Once the plant has reached its maturity, it will begin to produce flowers. The flowers are what contain the cannabinoids that are used to make different cannabis products. The flowering process can take anywhere from 8 weeks to 16 weeks, depending on the strain.
Caring for the Flowers
Topping a cannabis plant is a process of carefully removing the growing tip (the main shoot) to encourage the plant to produce more main shoots (called “branches”). This results in a bushier, fuller plant with more flowers (the buds we smoke).
When done properly, topping is a low-stress event for the plant that can actually make it healthier by promoting good air circulation and preventing pests and diseases from getting trapped inside dense foliage. But if done improperly, topping can damage or even kill your plant.
Here are some tips on how to top your cannabis plants:
1. When to Top: The best time to top a cannabis plant is when it is young — around 4-8 weeks into the vegetative stage — and still growing rapidly. Avoid topping during periods of stress, such as when the plant is recovering from being transplanted or when it is under attack from pests or diseases.
2. How to Top: Using sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears, snip off the main shoot just above a set of leaves (called a “node”). You can also remove just the very tip of the main shoot, which will cause the plant to produce two new branches in its place.
3. After Topping: Once you have topped your plant, give it some time to recover before resuming normal care. water and fertilize as usual, but avoid exposing the topped area to direct sunlight or strong winds, as this can damage delicate new growth.
Harvesting the Flowers
When the time comes to harvest your flowers, you’ll want to follow these steps to ensure a bountiful crop.
1. Start by cutting the main stalk at the base of the plant with a sharp knife or shears.
2. Next, cut off any large fan leaves that are still attached to the branches. These leaves can be saved and used for making edibles or tinctures.
3. Once the leaves are removed, you’ll be able to see the tiny buds that make up your harvest. Use a small pair of scissors or your fingers to gently remove the buds from the branches.
4. Collect your harvest in a glass jar or container and store it in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use it.
With proper care and storage, your cannabis flowers will stay fresh and potent for many months.
Conclusion
Topping a cannabis plant is a technique used to promote more even growth and larger yields. It involves cutting off the main stem of the plant just above a set of leaves, encouraging the plant to produce two new stems. Topping can be done multiple times throughout the growing season, but it is most commonly done once or twice, depending on the desired effect.
There are several things to keep in mind when topping a cannabis plant:
-Topping encourages more lateral (sideways) growth, so it is best suited for plants that are already tall and lanky. If your plant is short and stocky, topping is not likely to have much of an effect.
-Topping can stress out your plant, so it is important to do it at the right time and in the right way. If you top too early in the season, your plant may not have time to recover before flowering begins. If you top too late, you may end up with two small stems that are unlikely to produce much bud.
-It is important to use sharp, clean scissors or shears when topping your plant. This will help minimize stress and prevent infection.
If you follow these guidelines, topping can be a great way to promote more even growth and larger yields in your cannabis plants.
