How to Top a Marijuana Plant

Marijuana plants have a special growing trait where plants form a single leader branch, or a main cola, that dominates the plant. The leader branch receives the most energy to create the biggest cola. The leader branch is a form of apical dominance, where a plant focuses all of its energy on that one branch, reducing energy used to create lateral branches.

Plant training techniques can be used to create multiple leader branches. Multiple leader branches can be formed to help increase overall plant yields. Topping is a high-stress training technique that splits the leader branch into two separate branches that form tops or main cannabis colas. If you want to know how to perfect this technique, read on!

What is topping?

Topping is removing the newest growth tip from the leader branch of the cannabis plant. The top growth is removed, leaving the two lower nodes below the top exposed. These nodes will turn into two separate branches to grow two tops or bud sites. Topping turns one bud site into two bud sites to increase the yield. 

Example of a topped cannabis plant.

Why cannabis topping is done

Topping cannabis plants is done to control the height of a plant and increase side branching. Topping slows vertical growth, but it creates new bud sites. This technique is useful for indoor growers with limited vertical growing space. 

Pros:

• Creates a new bud site for a cola to form
• Stunts vertical growth
• Promotes side branching
• Helps create a uniform canopy to allow for maximum light distribution

Cons:

• Growth is slowed while the plant recovers
• Can be stressful to the plant and cause infection 
• Keeps plants from growing taller

When to top weed plants

In cannabis cultivation, topping can be performed after three to four leaf sets have been formed. Topping can be performed anytime during the vegetative growth phase but should be avoided at all costs at least a week before flower initiation, ideally two weeks before flowering. Topping events can be performed multiple times during a female cannabis plant’s vegetative growth phase. 

How to top marijuana plants

1. Top the vegetative stage when the plant is young and actively growing. Ideally, the plant should have at least 4-6 nodes (sets of leaves) before you remove the top. Top early in the plant’s life cycle to allow sufficient time for recovery and subsequent growth before flowering.
2. Sterilize your scissors or pruning shears with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of diseases and infections.
3. Locate the main stem and find the node where you want to make the cut. Typically, you top the plant just above the 4th or 5th node. Ensure there are healthy sets of leaves below the cut point. The new growth will emerge from these nodes.
4. Using your sterilized scissors or pruning shears, make a clean, straight cut just above the chosen node. Aim for a clean cut without crushing or tearing the stem, as this will help the plant recover more quickly.
5. After topping, observe the plant for any signs of stress or infection. Ensure the plant receives adequate light, nutrients, and water to support recovery and new growth. It’s important to maintain an ideal vegetative environment with temps in the mid-70s, humidity around 60%, and light intensity around 500 ppfd.
6. In the following days and weeks, new growth will emerge from the nodes just below the cut. These will develop into two new main stems (colas). You can continue topping these new stems to further encourage bushier growth, but give the plant time to recover between toppings.
7. If desired, you can repeat the topping process on the new main stems once they have grown several nodes. This will result in even more branching and a fuller canopy. Each subsequent topping should be done with the same careful technique to ensure plant health and proper recovery

Post-topping aftercare tips

Continue to provide optimal care with regular watering, feeding, and pest management.

Consider additional training techniques like low-stress training (LST) to shape the plant and optimize light exposure.

Common mistakes to avoid

Topping is a simple process that cleanly removes the newest growth tip from a leader branch. It is a high-stress event so keeping the environment clean and stable is essential for success and helps prevent diseases and unneeded stress from occurring. 

1. Topping when the plant is too young (fewer than 4-6 nodes) can stunt growth and weaken. Wait until the plant has at least 4-6 nodes to ensure it is strong enough to handle the stress.
2. Always use sharp, sterilized tools to make clean cuts to help prevent infection and disease. 
3. Top the plant above the 4th or 5th node, leaving enough healthy foliage below the cut to support recovery.
4. Give the plant adequate time to recover between toppings. Monitor new growth and ensure the plant is healthy before topping again.
5. Topping a stressed, weak, or unhealthy plant can exacerbate its problems, leading to poor recovery or further decline.: Ensure the plant is healthy, well-watered, and nutrient-rich before topping. Address any pest or disease issues prior to topping.
6. Ensure the plant receives adequate light, nutrients, and water. Maintain stable 
7. Topping too late in the vegetative stage or during the flowering stage can stress the plant and reduce yield. Give the plant plenty of time to recover and grow before flowering.
8. Fluctuations in temperature, humidity, or light levels can stress the plant further and hinder its recovery from topping. Maintain consistent growing conditions to support the plant’s recovery and growth post-topping.

FAQ About Topping Cannabis

Are you supposed to top cannabis?

While some cannabis varieties respond better to topping than others, it comes down to grower preference whether to top or not. Topping can slow plant growth and will cause the plant to put energy into creating new undergrowth.

Does topping make bigger buds?

No. Topping increases the number of sites that can form colas, the size of buds will only be limited to the amount of nutrients and light a plant receives. Topping will increase the number of side branches a plant will produce. These branches have the possibility of forming beautiful colas. 

How many nodes for topping a weed plant?

A plant should be well established with three to four nodes before topping for the first time. After the initial topping, any branch with multiple nodes can be topped, and a plant can be topped as many times as a grower wants. 

Is topping the same as super cropping?

Topping can be a useful technique when super cropping. Supercropping is creating as many tops as possible with one one. Low-stress training and high-stress training techniques are used to create a super-cropped plant.

What about topping vs fimming?

Fimming (short for “F*ck I Missed”) is similar to topping but involves only removing part of the growth tip. Instead of cutting off the entire top, you remove just a portion of the growing tip. This often results in multiple new branches forming instead of just two. Topping and fimming are similar high-stress training techniques that increase the number of tops and side branching.