There are time tested methods that significantly improve plant size and guarantee higher yields. These basic and advanced technologies are also approved by leading authorized dealers such as Homegrown Cannabis Co. Read on realized a bumper harvest from this wonder herb.
1. Topping
When you remove the main crown of the growing shoot, two fresh shoots grow back to replace the former. If you pinch it once, two tops emerge; further, pinching creates four tops. This pattern continues symmetrically.
This is a simple technique because you increase the number of pinching until a fleshy-colored, light part of the plant tissue sprouts.
Once the “wound” heals over, it forms a new growth shoot. Be sure to make a clean cut to prevent fimming (the state where the plant ceases producing upper growth). Use a clean pair of nippers, make a close cut.
Topping is an excellent option when you want to have a symmetrical base canopy.
Benefits of Topping Technique
The plant’s height is cut into two distinct parts instead of having one long shoot. The part that is cut off is the one identified for apical dominance. The plant’s stem is cut off, allowing a new growth hormone to grow. This fresh part promotes the lateral growth of your cannabis plant. The optimum stage of this technique is realized when the plant is multi-branched and the top, completely flattened.
Secondly, topping produces several small-sized colas. This is an improvement of having the main cola that has side branches.
Growers who have limited space can use tipping to avoid filling their land resource with tall, lean shoots. It is also ideal for those growing for long a vegetative period because the shoot produces up to eight heads in approximately 4-5 weeks.
2. Finning
This technique removes up to 80 % of the crown and leaving only a small amount. Consequently, the plants reduce upper growth, directing all its energy on the remaining part underneath.
Because of enhanced lower growth, the growth of individual internode is significantly boosted. The plant also appears healthy and thick.
To achieve a neat cut, use a sharp pair of scissors to snip three-quarters of crown shoot of the main cola. Or, you can shorten the top shoot of the supporting side branch.
Benefits of Finning
The plant has ample time to direct its energy on growth tips found slightly below the fimmed shoot. The poorly performing buds at the bottom get a chance to boost their growth to match the rest of the plant.
By the time the top shoots grow back, the whole plant has significantly increased in size. It avoids weak performing lower buds and avoids bushy plants.
3. Super cropping
This technique is ideal when you want to see the extreme limits of your plants. It puts the plant under high-stress because it entails breaking the inner cell wall of the branch.
It is also a hands-on method because you pop the plant nodes in between the fingers. You’ll know that you’ve been successfully performing this technique if you hear a snappy audible sound. The sound is from the plant’s collapsing inner walls as it feels a difference in the outside and inside pressure.
Benefits of super cropping technique
The plant’s growth hormones are removed, thus achieving a knuckled, almond-rounded shape forming over the bent branch.
This procedure is a protective, hardwood growth that provides added support to the booming plant. It also boosts the plant’s vigor and makes it more resilient.
A super cropped cannabis plant is arguably a stronger in vigor and stature. It also has enhanced yields.
4. Tie and bend
This is a low-stress technique and is more plant-friendly than super cropping. It involves tying and twisting to bend certain parts of the plant. The timing of this method is crucial because it forces the plant to grow symmetrically.
You can do this method using strings and metal cables. When you lower the topmost part of the crown shoot, the plant will be bent. Then tie the plant using your chosen material.
The hanging parts of the growth tips start competing to produce the main cola of the plant. For this method to be successful, the grower needs to do careful planning and calculation.
Benefits of tie and bend method
The plant achieves round heavy-sided branches. Additionally, as the plant thrives sideways, its axillary shoot that would have produced tiny flowering sites stops growing upwards and towards the light source.
The final results come to the number of times the plant is tied down to assist create new vertical shoots.
It is also a crucial technique if you’re using a screen and an excellent way to make tiny crowns into main colas.
5. Pruning
Pruning involves removing all fan leaves and low- bearing tips. Timing is also a crucial factor in this method. All plants focus their energy on whatever growth that is going on within its system. This is why it’s important to know when to cut and strip the parts that are not very productive.
Prune with a sharp pair of scissors. If you’re targeting the clones, cut away the plant’s lowest tips you think will deny you the prime buds you desire.
Remove everything from the side branches to bid-sized healthy fan leaves. The rule of thumb is to cut away approximately 60-70 % of the growth at the base, upwards.
Use the index finger and the thumb to allow you to strip away from the target branches. Afterward, be keen to notice any new growth appearing on the already pruned spots.
Benefits of Pruning technique
During the blooming stage, the plant’s energy is focuses on the heavy nugs at the top, thus improving the yield.
This method significantly improves the harvest of the cannabis sativa plant, from the flowering phase to its overall performance.
Other methods for training your cannabis plant include mainlining, strip, and flipping technique. Find a technique that fit your individual space, time, and budget. Be keen to buy marijuana seeds from a reputable dealer and have fun as you experiment and harvest plenty of dank nugs.