Topping And Fimming – How Does These High-Stress Training Methods Help Weed Plant?

In this blog, we will take an in-depth look into understanding how popular high-stress training methods – topping and fimming help in getting the most from the weed plants. 

So, what is topping?

Topping is a training method preferred by many cannabis cultivators to get the most from their weed crop. This training is a high-stress, most commonly used method on indoor plants, in which the tip of the growing plant is pruned. 

By doing so, you promote sideways growth at the bottom and not just vertical growth on the top. Even though topping is quite beneficial, your plants will end up spending more time in the vegetative stage, meaning expect them to be in it for 4 to 6 weeks. 

Benefits of topping cannabis plants

*Topping helps in the distribution of growth hormones. For instance, you can navigate the hormones from the main stalk to the lower sections of the plant, resulting in a bushy plant.

*Topping also helps the light to reach every part of the plant easily, ensuring a healthy plant. 

*Topping allows the plant to focus energy on the growth of every bud and not just the one main cola, resulting in an increased overall harvest.

When should you consider topping cannabis plants?

It is best to consider topping the cannabis plant while it is still in the vegetative stage. Before you begin the process, your plant must have at least 3 to 5 sets of shoots or nodes. 

Topping the plant too early can result in a damaged young plant that will require a lot of time to recover. Topping the plant too late, i.e., in a flowering stage, can result in potential damage, too.

Know what type of Wholesale Seeds in Kentucky you have and work your way around. This is because every strain develops at its own pace. 

How to top the cannabis plant?

Although topping is quite easy, there is always room to make mistakes. Follow these simple steps instead:

1- Have necessary tools handy

Use either pruning scissors or a razor blade. Just make sure that the tool you have in hand is sharp enough. 

Now, use some rubbing alcohol to sterilize the tool’s blade. This way, you can prevent the plant from getting infected during the process. Although infection from topping isn’t common, there is nothing wrong with being extra careful!

2- Determine the fifth node and cut above it

Most advanced cannabis growers locate the 5th node and cut just above it. This way, there are enough branches left on the plant. Besides, the right location means little less stress on the plant. 

Ensure that you leave a few millimeters of space between the lateral branch and where the cut is made. In case you want to top again, try cutting the third of the fourth node.  

3- Practice patience 

Once done with topping, it is time to wait and notice the difference in the cannabis plant, given topping is stress inducing process. 

Monitor the plant for the first few days, give it adequate amounts of water and light during this time. And before you decide to top again, let the plant rest for a couple of weeks and recover first. 

What is fimming?

Fimming, similar to topping, is another high-stress training process. Although the process is somewhat the same, there are major differences between both methods. For instance, the notion is to increase the number of colas while removing the new growths. 

Typically, cultivators with small growing spaces opt for the fimming method. 

And since not every fimming process is similar, the results may hugely differ, too. Also, get ready to experience the length vegetative phase by fimming the plants. 

Benefits of fimming cannabis plants

*The first benefit is, of course, the number of colas you obtain. 

*Fimming helps in navigating the hormones from the main stem to the secondary branches. But you must know that fimming isn’t a worthy option to reduce the stretch. 

*After fimming, the plants are quite easier to manage. You can balance the plant to attain the best growth possible. 

*Compared to topping, the recovering time is shorter, meaning you can perform multiple fimming if at all necessary.

When should you consider fimming cannabis plants?

It is best to start fimming on noticing 3 to 5 nodes on the plant. Do it during the vegetative stage and not too early because that would result in stunted growth and irreversible damage. 

Similarly, fimming during the flowering phase can backfire because the plant needs to focus on producing fruitful buds during this stage. Plus, plants are less durable past the vegetative stage. Therefore, timing is key when fimming the plants.

How to fix the cannabis plant?

Here are some steps you can follow to complete the quick process of fimming:

1- Gather your tools

Be prepared with all the necessary tools like pair of pruning scissors, rubbing alcohol to clean the blade, and some gloves. 

Wipe the blade thoroughly using some rubbing alcohol. You can keep the bottle of rubbing alcohol handy to disinfect the blades in between fimming. 

2- Find the apical bud or terminal bud

To start the process, find the apical bud, also known as the terminal bud. This primary bud is responsible for the new growth in the cannabis plant.

You can find the terminal bud near the uppermost node at the top of the plant. They are below or above each set of leaves. 

You can either use the pinch and fim process, meaning grabbing the tip of the apical bud in between your finger and then pinching the section off from the terminal bud. Or you can use scissors to cut off the tip from the stem. 

Keep in mind; you need to remove around 75% of the bud. Then give your plant a few days to heal and recover. 

You will notice a minimum of four branches emerging from the fimmed apical bud. 

Signing off

It is important to keep in mind that both of these techniques have their own pros and cons. One may work better for certain strains, while the other may suit well for a completely different set of strains. 

Therefore, it is best to combine either of them with a low-stress training technique to maximize the potential yield.

Use our blog as a guide to get started with the process of training your cannabis plant, and don’t forget to connect with i49 to purchase top-shelf wholesale seeds in Kentucky.