Topping your plants

Topping is a commonly used technique among growers. By removing excess tops, the plant makes two new side branches. This way your plant grows less in height and more in width.

If you want to top we highly recommend working sterile. This is important because you essentially create a wound when topping. By working sterile, the chance of transmitting diseases to your plant is lower. Keep in mind that you should only top a plant if it is in excellent condition. Else it is a lot more susceptible to pathogens. Therefore, always make sure your material and hands are disinfected when topping. You can also wear plastic gloves.

When can you top the best?

The best time to top plant is during the growth phase. During this period, the plant uses energy to develop branches. Thus, side branches will grow quicker when topping. You can also choose to top during the first two weeks of the flowering phase. The plant undergoes a growth spurt during this time. After these two weeks, topping is no longer wise. Your plants then need all their energy and nutrients to develop fruits.

How to top?

We recommend topping your plant if it has developed at least four internodes. An internode is a piece of stem between two nodes. A node is a place on the stem where side branches grow. So if your plant has five side branches, you can start topping. To top, remove the entire fruit development. You can use a pair of scissors, a knife or another sharp object. You could even use your fingers. After removing the fruit development, your plant will create two new side tops. Do these side tops have at least four internodes? Then you can also remove the new fruit developments. Instead of one main top, you now have four smaller side tops.

Advantages of topping

Disadvantages of topping

Tips