Topping cannabis is a high-stress training technique experienced growers use to increase yields. The method involves cutting off the plant’s main stem, encouraging multiple large colas to develop instead of just one. This means more abundant harvests, bushier plants, and denser buds. Topping is one of the several plant training techniques growers use—like low-stress training (LST), supercropping, and defoliation—to shape their plants for optimal light exposure and air circulation.
Timing is everything in the cannabis garden. Ideally, topping happens early in the vegetative stage, when the plant is healthy and can quickly recover from the stress. If you top too early—or too late, like during the flowering stage—you risk harming the plant and reducing yields instead of increasing them. But if you time it right, you’ll come away with bigger, better yields.
What is topping cannabis?
Topping is a popular high-stress training technique where growers cut off the main stem of the plant to encourage more lateral growth and increase the number of bud sites. It involves cutting the top portion of the plant, typically just above a node. Once complete, the plant’s growth hormones can redistribute, promoting the development of multiple branches instead of focusing energy on a single main cola.
Untopped cannabis plants naturally grow in a classic Christmas tree shape, with one dominant central stem reaching for the sky and smaller branches beneath. While this allows the plant to grow taller, it also tends to concentrate most of its energy on the top cola, which means the lower branches see less light and fewer resources. This means fewer, smaller buds on the lower parts of the plant, which in turn means a less efficient yield.
Topping flips this dynamic by cutting the plant’s main stem, which encourages the plant to spread out horizontally rather than vertically. The plant can now put its energy into growing more branches and colas, which leads to more evenly distributed bud sites across the canopy. This creates a bushier, more balanced structure, where each branch can receive ample light and airflow to ultimately optimize bud production.
Topping facts
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- For a winning topping technique, cut off the top of the plant at the stem, just above a node.
- Topping creates two main colas at the top of the plant, encouraging a plant to grow in a balanced manner.
- The new colas that form are evenly spaced. They attach to the stem at the same height for uniform growth.
- Topping can be an effective method to reduce the height of plants during the vegetative stage.
- After topping, plants may experience a temporary slowdown in growth for a day or two as they recover.
- Always perform topping during the vegetative stage when the plant has developed 4-6 nodes.
- Plants typically recover from topping within 2-7 days, after which they will start showing new growth.
- Bonus tip: Low-stress training (LST) works with topping to develop even more colas.
Why top your cannabis plants?
Topping a growing cannabis plant can provide quite a few advantages that can significantly improve your plant’s overall growth and yield. Here are a few reasons why growers choose to top their plants:
- Increased yield
By creating multiple colas, topping allows the plant to produce more buds, leaving you with a higher overall yield as the grower.
- Improved light penetration
Topping encourages a bushier structure. This gets more light to reach lower branches and bud sites, which helps them develop better.
- Better airflow
A more open plant structure reduces the risk of mold and pests because it increases airflow around the foliage and between the branches.
- Height management
Topping can help control plant height, making it easier to fit plants in limited vertical space, especially in indoor grows.
- Balanced growth
The practice helps growers promote even growth across the plant; this means that multiple colas receive adequate nutrients and light, rather than concentrating energy on a single central cola.
- Encouragement of lateral growth
Topping stimulates the plant to grow outward instead of upward, creating a more manageable and robust plant structure.
- Enhanced plant health
With these benefits, topping can lead to a more vigorous and healthy plant overall. However, as a high-stress technique, the risk of damage is always present.
When to top your weed plants
Understanding when to perform this technique can significantly impact your plant’s health, growth, and overall yield.
- Pay attention to the plant’s height: Wondering how to top a marijuana plant? You should aim to top when it reaches about 6-12 inches and has developed 4-6 nodes. At this height, the plant typically has a strong root system and enough foliage to support recovery after topping.
- Wait for better health: Signs of stress—like yellowing leaves, nutrient deficiencies, or pest issues—can hinder recovery and negatively affect how your plant grows. Avoid this by waiting until the plant shows signs of vigorous growth before topping.
- Factor in time for recovery: After topping, your plant is going to need some time to recover. This process typically takes about 2-7 days, during which the plant may exhibit slower growth. To avoid any setbacks, you should time your topping with this in mind.
Topping during the vegetative stage
If you top a cannabis plant too early—or too early in the vegetative stage—the results can be detrimental. This underdeveloped plant may not have the necessary strength to recover effectively, and this can lead to stunted growth, prolonged recovery times, and ultimately reduced yields. A well-established plant will bounce back faster and more robustly, meaning healthier growth and more bud sites.
Avoid Topping Pot Plants During Flowering
Are you wondering when to top weed plants for the best results? When in doubt, err on the side of pre-flowering. Top before the plant enters the flowering stage, as topping during flowering can lead to increased stress and may negatively impact bud development and yield.
Introducing stress through topping can disrupt flower growth. This could lead to reduced bud size, less dense flowers, and lower yields. So, if you’ve missed the opportunity to top before flowering begins, it’s best to avoid topping altogether until the next vegetative cycle.
How do you top a weed plant? Step-by-step guide
Follow this quick and easy guide to see your plants through to topping success:
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Choose the right time
- Topping should be done during the vegetative stage—ideally when your plant has developed 4-6 nodes and is about 6-12 inches tall.
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Prepare your tools
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When you’re ready, take a moment to gather the necessary tools for topping, including:
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Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears (sterilized to prevent infection).
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Rubbing alcohol or another disinfectant (to clean your tools before use).
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You can also use rooting hormone if you plan to take cuttings from the topped plant.
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Locate the growth tip
- Identify the apical bud or main growth tip at the top of the plant. This is typically the highest point on the stem that sees the most growth.
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Make the cut
- Using your sharp scissors or pruning shears, carefully cut off the growth tip just above a node. Aim for a clean cut to minimize damage. Make sure to cut between the nodes rather than directly on them. This helps to encourage the growth of new colas from the nodes below.
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Post-topping care
- After topping, give your plant some extra care by:
- Monitoring the plant: Check for any signs of stress, like drooping leaves or discoloration.
- Water appropriately: Make sure the plant receives adequate water, but try to avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions.
- Provide proper lighting: Maintaining consistent light levels supports recovery and growth.
- Avoid additional stress: Refrain from other major changes—like nutrient adjustments or transplanting—so the plant can adequately recover for a few days.
- After topping, give your plant some extra care by:
Topping vs fimming: what's the difference?
Both topping and fimming are popular techniques for encouraging bushier growth and increasing yields, but while they share a common goal, they differ in execution and effects.
Topping
Topping involves cutting off the main growth tip of the plant just above a node, which encourages the plant to grow two main colas instead of one.
The pros include increased yield, improved light penetration, and easier height management. This method can be stressful for the plant and requires precise timing to be effective.
Fimming
Fimming is a technique where a portion of the main growth tip is removed, usually cutting off about 75 percent of the tip. This results in multiple new growth shoots developing instead of just two. While many consider fimming a high-stress technique, others classify it as low-to-moderate because some of the original growth remains intact.
This process can result in more bud sites, faster recovery, and it is generally less stressful than topping. However, it requires a lot of skill, as it’s easy to overdo and can result in highly unpredictable results.
Common mistakes to avoid when topping
Topping can be great for enhanced growth and yield, but it also comes with some risks. Here are some common mistakes to avoid, how to prevent them, and tips for salvaging any issues that might arise.
Topping too early
Cutting the plant before it has developed enough nodes (typically before 4-6 nodes) might hinder growth and recovery. Avoid this by making sure your plant is healthy and has at least 4-6 nodes before attempting to top. If you’ve topped too early, just give the plant some time to recover before making any further cuts. Focus on providing adequate light, water, and nutrients to support recovery.
Making an inaccurate cut
Failing to cut just above a node or cutting too much of the growth tip can result in poor recovery or uneven growth. You can avoid this mistake by using sharp, clean tools and taking your time to make a precise cut just above a node. If growth appears stunted, provide extra care, including proper watering and nutrient support to help it bounce back.
Not allowing for recovery time
Introducing other stressors, like new nutrient regimens or lighting conditions, immediately after topping can overwhelm the plant. After topping, you should give the plant a few days to recover without introducing any major changes. Keep the environment stable and provide optimal conditions. If the plant shows signs of stress after topping, address the issues causing the stress as quickly as possible.
Topping during flowering
You should always perform topping during the vegetative stage—ideally just before the plant enters the flowering phase. If you’ve made the mistake of topping during flowering, monitor the plant for signs of stress. Minimize other stressors and provide extra care to help it recover, but be aware that your yield may suffer.
Over-topping
Continuously topping the plant can lead to excessive stress and hinder overall growth. To avoid this, limit topping to once or twice during the vegetative stage, and assess the plant’s recovery before considering additional cuts. If you’ve over-topped, focus on nurturing the plant with proper light, water, and nutrients. Allow it time to recover fully before making any more cuts.
FAQ
How long does it take for a cannabis plant to recover after topping?
Plants recover in about 2-7 days. After topping weed plants, the recovery time depends on factors like plant health, environment, and which stage of growth you’re working with, but if all goes well, the plant will ideally redirect energy to growing new shoots from the nodes below the topping site, which encourages bushier growth.
Can you top your plant more than once?
Yes! Topping multiple times results in even more branching, ultimately encouraging lateral growth and leaving you with a bushier plant. However, multiple toppings can also stress the plant, so it’s important to monitor its health and give it time to recover between sessions.
Is topping worth it for outdoor grows?
Yes—especially if you’re aiming to maximize yields. Topping creates multiple colas instead of a single dominant one. In outdoor grows, where space and light are plentiful, this leads to more bud sites and a higher yield. Outdoor plants also have access to tons of sunlight, and since topping encourages a bushier growth structure, more sunlight will reach the lower branches, improving light penetration and overall bud development.
Does topping affect the quality of buds?
Topping does not negatively affect quality. In fact, topping cannabis plants tends to enhance overall bud production. Between the increased light penetration and better airflow it allows for, topping ultimately results in denser, more robust bud sites all around.
How many nodes before you can top a cannabis plant?
You usually want to see around 4-6 nodes before you top a cannabis plant.
How tall should a plant get before topping?
Cannabis plants should be about 6-12 inches tall. At this stage, the plant has usually developed a stable root system, meaning it can recover quickly from topping without getting too stressed or stunted in the process.
Is my plant too tall in the flowering stage?
Since flowering is the stage where the plant focuses its energy on bud production, topping during this time might cause unnecessary stress, which will slow down growth and reduce yields.
