Topping

Topping is a training method in which the topmost shoot tip of a plant is deliberately cut off. It sounds drastic, but it has a clear goal: instead of a dominant main shoot, the plant then forms several equally strong main shoots and grows bushier. Topping is considered High Stress Training because plant material is actively removed.

What Topping Achieves

Naturally, a plant often grows upwards with a clear "leader shoot." If this tip is cut off, the growth energy is distributed to the underlying side shoots. The result is a wider, more uniform plant with multiple upper flower clusters instead of a single one. Especially under a fixed light source in a grow box, a flat, wide shape is often advantageous because the light reaches multiple tips simultaneously.

When and How

Topping is done during the vegetative phase when the plant is strong enough and has formed several nodes. The cut is made cleanly above a node. After that, the plant needs some time to recover. Topping can be well combined with gentler methods such as Low Stress Training or a SCROG net.

Frequently Asked Questions about Topping

Why top a plant?

To make it grow bushier and wider, creating several equally strong upper shoots instead of one dominant one.

When is the right time?

During the vegetative phase, as soon as the plant is robust and has several nodes. Topping is no longer done during flowering.

Is topping risky?

It is an intervention and briefly stresses the plant. However, if performed cleanly and with recovery time, it is well tolerated.