When it comes to growing cannabis plants, topping is a technique used by growers to increase the yield and improve the overall health of the plant. While topping is commonly done during the early vegetative stage, there is a technique called late vegetative topping that can be done later in the growth cycle. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about late vegetative topping and how it can benefit your cannabis grow.
What is Late Vegetative Topping?
Late vegetative topping is a technique that involves cutting off the top of the plant during the later stages of the vegetative cycle. This technique is typically done when the plant has 6-8 nodes, which is around 4-5 weeks into the vegetative stage.
Why Should You Consider Late Vegetative Topping?
There are several benefits to late vegetative topping, including:
Increased Yield: By topping the plant, you encourage more lateral growth, which can lead to an increase in the number of colas on the plant. This can ultimately result in a higher yield at harvest time.
Improved Light Penetration: By removing the top of the plant, you allow more light to penetrate the lower branches of the plant. This can help to increase the overall health and vitality of the plant.
Control Plant Height: Late vegetative topping can help to control the height of the plant. This is especially useful if you have limited space in your grow room.
How to Perform Late Vegetative Topping
Performing late vegetative topping is similar to early vegetative topping. Here are the steps to follow:
Wait until the plant has 6-8 nodes.
Identify the top of the plant and cut it off using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears.
Allow the plant to recover for a few days before resuming normal growth.
Tips for Late Vegetative Topping
Here are some tips to keep in mind when performing late vegetative topping:
Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to minimize damage to the plant.
Consider using a plant training technique, such as LST (low-stress training), to encourage lateral growth.
Avoid topping the plant too late in the vegetative stage, as this can delay flowering and ultimately reduce yield.
Late vegetative topping can be a useful technique for increasing yield, improving light penetration, and controlling plant height. While this technique requires careful attention and proper execution, it can be a great way to improve the overall health and vitality of your cannabis plants. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be on your way to a successful late vegetative topping. Happy growing!When it comes to growing cannabis, late veg topping is a common technique used by many growers to increase yields and produce bushier plants. Topping is a form of high-stress training (HST) that involves removing the top of the plant’s main stem. This causes the plant to produce two new main stems from the point where the topping occurred. While topping can be done throughout the vegetative stage, late veg topping is a specific technique that can have significant benefits for the grower.
Late Veg Topping: What You Need to Know
What is Late Veg Topping?
Late veg topping involves removing the top of the main stem of a cannabis plant during the later stages of the vegetative phase. This is usually done around the 4th or 5th week of the vegetative stage when the plant has developed 4 to 6 nodes. The timing is crucial since the plant needs to have enough time to recover before entering the flowering stage. Late veg topping is different from early veg topping, which involves removing the top of the main stem at an earlier stage of the vegetative phase when the plant has fewer nodes.
The Benefits of Late Veg Topping
Increased Yield
One of the primary benefits of late veg topping is increased yields. When you top a cannabis plant during the late vegetative stage, it causes the plant to produce two new main stems from the point where the topping occurred. This creates more colas, which are the buds that grow on the main stem of the plant. By topping the plant, you’re essentially increasing the number of colas the plant can produce, leading to a higher overall yield.
Increased Bushiness
Late veg topping also promotes bushier growth. When you remove the top of the main stem, it triggers the plant to focus on growing more lateral branches. This creates a bushier plant, which can be beneficial for growers who have limited space or who want to fill out their grow space more effectively. Additionally, bushier plants can be easier to manage and support during the flowering stage.
Better Light Penetration
Another benefit of late veg topping is better light penetration. By removing the top of the main stem, you’re essentially creating a flat canopy of growth. This means that more light can penetrate the canopy and reach the lower parts of the plant. This can be particularly useful for growers using high-intensity lighting since it can help to prevent hot spots and ensure that all parts of the plant receive adequate light.
How to Perform Late Veg Topping
Performing late veg topping is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the proper steps to ensure that you don’t damage the plant. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Wait until the plant has developed 4 to 6 nodes.
Identify the top of the main stem and make a clean cut using sharp scissors or a sharp blade.
Make the cut just above the node below the top of the main stem. This is where the two new main stems will grow.
Allow the plant to recover for 1 to 2 weeks before switching to the flowering stage.
It’s important to note that topping is a high-stress technique, and it can take time for the plant to recover fully. Be patient and monitor the plant closely during the recovery period to ensure that it’s growing back healthy and strong.
In conclusion
late veg topping is a popular technique among cannabis growers for a reason. It can help to increase yields, promote bushier growth, and improve light penetration. If you’re interested in trying this technique, be sure to follow the proper steps and monitor the plant closely to ensure that it’s growing back healthy and strong. With proper care and attention, late veg topping can be an effective way to improve the.
