How to Top Weed Plants

Step 1: Prepare to Top

Start by getting a pair of sharp and pointy gardening scissors. Cut your cannabis plant between the 5th and 6th nodes, leaving 5 nodes or 10 small branches and leaves.

The smaller the 6th node, the less shock to your plant. If you wait too long and the 7th node appears, you'll remove too much plant material, risking stunted growth. Top your plants when the tops are still small and harmless.

BudTip: Be Extra Careful With Small Growth Sites When topping close to the 5th node, avoid damaging the small growth sites by bending the 6th node sideways to move the pruner tip out of the way. Using thin-tipped pruners helps avoid damaging delicate branches.

Step 2: Remove the 1st Node

After topping above the 5th node, cut off both leaves and growth sites on the 1st node. The first node doesn't develop strong branches, so removing it redirects energy to the top 4 nodes.

This leaves you with 4 nodes, or 8 small branches (growth sites) and 8 leaves. These growth sites will develop into your new main branches, multiplying your plant's canopy.

Crafting a Great Canopy

After topping your plant, wait 1 to 2 weeks before starting the first stage of training. When the top 2 growth sites on the 5th node reach 2 inches in length, it's time to begin training with BudClips, and the lower branches with BudPots and BudHuggers.

For more detailed instructions, read our full lesson on When & How to Top Hemp Plants.