What’s the Best Way to Top a Cannabis Plant?Updated 2 days ago

Topping is a simple but powerful training technique used to increase your plant’s yield and create a bushier, more manageable structure. It involves cutting off the main growing tip to encourage the plant to develop multiple colas instead of just one.

When to Top:

• Timing: Top your plant when it has developed 4–6 nodes (usually around 3–4 weeks into the vegetative stage).

• Strain Considerations: Some strains handle topping better than others—photoperiod plants respond best. Avoid topping autoflowers, as they have limited time to recover.

How to Top (Step-by-Step):

1. Sanitize your scissors or blade. Prevent infection by cleaning your tools before cutting.

2. Locate the main stem. Find the central stalk and go above the 4th or 5th node.

3. Make a clean cut. Snip off the top just above a node where two new branches will form.

4. Let the plant recover. Expect 2–5 days of recovery. Watch for healthy new growth from the topped site.

Aftercare Tips:

• Provide adequate light, nutrients, and airflow after topping.

• Some growers follow up with low-stress training (LST) to widen the canopy.

• Monitor for any signs of stress, especially drooping or discoloration.

Topping may feel intimidating at first, but done right, it sets your plant up for a healthier structure and bigger harvest.