Professional Marijuana Grower November-December 2017 Issue | Page 24

Important Points for Topping
Topping can be done more than twice however doing
so will increase time in the vegetative phase. Test to see
what is most productive. Some experienced growers
will top up to 5 times (or more) to obtain 32 branches
and can be well rewarded for their efforts.
Healthy plants usually take 2-3 days to recover from
topping. After topping, do not remove the leaves from
that node as these are needed to power growth of the
branches from that node. Never top during flowering
as it causes too much stress – which slows growth and
inhibits yield. Do not top unhealthy plants. Also, avoid
topping older, thicker growth as this takes longer to
heal.
STEP 2: Low Stress Training (LST)
After topping (done twice in Fig 3b) there are four qual-
ity branches (or bud sites) growing vertically from what
was originally the top node. LST involves pulling these
branches downwards (to horizontal) and outwards
(i.e. “star” configuration) so that all four branches are
spread apart from one another, horizontal and at the
same height (Fig 4). The lower branches from the nodes
‘below’ where topping occurred are now also closer
and more exposed to the light. As these grow up they
can be topped and manipulated using LST.
Important Points for LST
When to Start and Finish LST
LST should be started as soon as possible during the
vegetative phase. The flowering phase can commence
24 • Professional Marijuana Grower
once all major branches are horizontal and level with
each other. Budding can be triggered by switching
lights to 12-on, 12-off. LST should continue during early
flowering as vegetative growth continues. Maintain a
flat, level branch structure. Vegetative growth will even-
tually stop when the plant is putting most of its energy
into flowering. Minimal adjustment is required after this
point – apart from keeping shade away from key areas.
It can be beneficial to remove small, lower growth as
this helps improve ventilation through the canopy and
prevents infestations or infections due to foliage being
in contact with soil.
Bending Branches
Young growth is easier to bend than older growth. Also
some species/strains are easier than others. Do not
rush to get branches horizontal, do this in stages. When
a branch is first bent, growth will be slowed. Foliage
will re-orientate towards the light then eventually start to
grow. LST again once it grows another 3 inches or so.
Methods for Securing Branches for LST
It is important to use a method that is strong enough
to support the plant during flowering and yet allows
access to manage the growing plants, conduct cleaning
and other maintenance. Depending on your situation,
either of these methods might work best.
Gardening Wire or Landscape Stakes
This method is effective during the early growth stages
soon after topping. Branches can be held in place with
wire that is anchored to screws in the pot, or some
(Continued on page 28)
November/December 2017