Whether you’re growing cannabis at home or managing a small commercial setup, plant training is one of the best ways to maximize your return. And when it comes to training, topping is the go-to technique for shaping your plant and boosting bud production.
In this post, we’ll break down what topping is, why it works, how to do it safely, and when to do it for the best results.
🔍 What Is Topping?
Topping is the act of cutting off the main shoot at the top of your cannabis plant. This forces the plant to redirect its energy into multiple new growth tips instead of one central cola.
Instead of growing tall and skinny with one dominant bud, your plant becomes shorter, bushier, and yields more top-quality colas.
💡 Why Topping Works
Cannabis naturally grows with a single main stem and apical dominance—meaning the top node grows faster and stronger than the rest. When you top the plant, you’re disrupting that dominance, causing it to:
- Split energy between new nodes (usually two)
- Create a wider, flatter canopy for better light exposure
- Improve airflow and reduce mold risk
- Boost yield by producing multiple large colas instead of just one
This makes topping especially effective in indoor grows with limited vertical space or outdoor grows where horizontal sprawl is encouraged.
✂️ How to Top a Cannabis Plant
Step 1: Wait for 4–6 Nodes
Only top your plant once it’s developed at least 4–6 nodes (around week 3–5 of veg). Earlier than that can stress the plant or stunt growth.
Step 2: Identify the Top Growth Tip
Look at the main stem and locate the newest growth point at the very top—this is what you’ll remove.
Step 3: Use Clean Tools
Use sterile scissors or trimming shears to avoid infections. Sharp, clean cuts heal faster.
Step 4: Make the Cut
Snip just above the 4th or 5th node, cutting off the top shoot. This encourages two new main branches to grow from the remaining nodes.
📅 When to Top (And When Not To)
| Do Top | Avoid Topping If |
|---|---|
| During vegetative stage (3–6 weeks) | In flowering stage (causes stress/yield loss) |
| If plant has 4–6 healthy nodes | If plant is stunted or unhealthy |
| If using a long veg period | If you’re growing autos with a short cycle |
Note for Autoflower Growers:
Topping is risky for autoflowers due to their fast growth cycles and limited recovery time. If you’re new to autos, stick with low-stress training (LST) instead.
🌱 Aftercare: What to Expect
After topping, your plant may pause growth for 2–4 days as it heals and redirects hormones. During this time:
- Keep light consistent
- Don’t overwater or overfeed
- Watch for signs of shock (drooping, yellowing)
Within a week, you’ll see two new shoots forming just below the cut—your future colas!
🔁 Can You Top More Than Once?
Yes! You can top multiple times, spacing each session 1–2 weeks apart. This technique, called mainlining or manifolding, creates a symmetrical, multi-cola structure ideal for scrogging (Screen of Green).
Just be cautious not to overdo it—2–3 toppings per plant is usually the sweet spot.
🌞 Final Thoughts
Topping is a time-tested, beginner-friendly training method that can double or even triple your bud sites with just one snip. It takes a bit of timing and confidence, but the payoff is worth it: more buds, better airflow, and a stronger, more productive plant.