Topping is one of the most powerful techniques in cannabis growing. It’s a simple snip that transforms one main cola into multiple branches — unlocking bigger yields and bushier growth. But topping at the wrong time or doing it incorrectly can slow your plants down or even stunt them completely.
If you’ve ever wondered exactly when to top, where to cut, and how to recover quickly, this guide walks you through everything step-by-step — with the perfect timing: between node 4 and 6.
💡 What Is Topping and Why Do It?
Topping means cutting off the main growth tip (apical meristem) of your plant. This stops the upward growth temporarily and redistributes hormones that control dominance, encouraging the plant to branch out instead of growing one tall stem.
Here’s what it achieves:
- Creates multiple colas instead of just one.
- Keeps canopy even for better light distribution.
- Prevents tall, lanky growth in tents with limited headroom.
- Increases total bud sites and overall yield potential.
In short, topping is how you tell your plant, “Stop growing up — start growing out.”
🌱 When to Top (Node 4–6 Rule)
Timing is everything. Topping too early stresses a young seedling. Topping too late wastes time and can damage thicker stems.
The sweet spot for topping is between node 4 and node 6.
Here’s why:
- Below node 4, the stem is too soft — recovery is slow.
- After node 6, the plant is already focusing on vertical structure and might not recover evenly.
- At node 4–6, the plant is strong enough to handle the cut and still has time to recover before flowering.
✅ Count nodes carefully — a “node” is a set of leaves or branches emerging from the main stem. You’ll usually top once you have 4–6 sets of true leaves (not counting cotyledons).
💡 How to Identify the Perfect Moment
- The plant should be around 3–4 weeks old.
- The leaves should look healthy and vibrant.
- The newest growth at the top (the crown) should be easy to identify.
- The lower branches should already be developing nicely.
If your plant is droopy, pale, or recovering from transplant or stress — wait. Never top a struggling plant.
🌱 How to Top Step-by-Step (Node 4–6)
- Prepare your tools
Use clean, sterilized scissors or trimming shears. Dirty tools invite infections or mold. - Locate your target node
Find the 4th, 5th, or 6th node from the base. Most growers aim just above the 5th node. - Make your cut cleanly
Cut directly above the node, removing the very top growth tip. You’ll see two small side shoots below the cut — these will become your new main colas. - Don’t panic
The top will look stubby for a day or two. Within 3–5 days, the side branches will explode with new growth. - Support recovery
After topping, give the plant stable conditions:- Light: 18–24 inches away if using LEDs.
- RH: 60–70% to reduce stress.
- Nutrients: Light feeding — don’t increase strength.
💡 Training After Topping
Once your plant recovers, it’s time to shape it. This is where topping really shines.
- Use LST (Low Stress Training) to pull side branches outward.
- Tie the new mains down gently so light hits every future bud site.
- Keep an even canopy by adjusting ties every few days.
Over time, you’ll create a wide, flat plant that makes better use of light — the secret to fat, uniform colas.
🌱 Why We Recommend Node 4–6 Specifically
This range gives the perfect balance between plant maturity and recovery time.
- At node 4, the plant is just sturdy enough to recover fast.
- At node 6, the internodal spacing allows easy access for clean cuts.
- Below node 4 = stunted recovery.
- Above node 6 = tougher stems and uneven regrowth.
Topping at 4–6 ensures both structural integrity and hormonal balance for even branching.
💡 How Long to Wait Before Flowering
After topping, always give your plant at least 7–10 days to recover fully before flipping to flower. You’ll know it’s ready when:
- The two new tops have grown a few inches.
- The plant’s leaves are perked up and vibrant.
- No more drooping or curling from stress.
Autos can be risky to top because they don’t have recovery time built into their schedule. But if you’re working with strong genetics and you’re experienced, topping once at node 4–5 can still work.
🌱 Common Topping Mistakes
- Topping too early – The plant can’t handle it and stalls for a week.
- Topping too late – The stem is woody and slow to heal.
- Using dirty scissors – Bacteria = disaster.
- Topping an unhealthy plant – Stress on stress equals stunted growth.
- Skipping recovery time – Don’t rush to train or flip; let it bounce back.
✅ Remember: topping doesn’t increase yield on its own. It’s how you manage growth afterward that determines results.
💡 Aftercare: Boosting Recovery
- Add silica to strengthen cell walls.
- Use kelp or seaweed extracts for natural stress recovery.
- Maintain stable VPD (Vapor Pressure Deficit) — around 1.0–1.2 for veg.
- Avoid major defoliation right after topping — let leaves drive recovery.
Healthy recovery is what turns one snip into a monster canopy.
🌱 When Not to Top
- Don’t top sick or deficient plants.
- Don’t top after switching to flower.
- Don’t top clones until roots are well-established.
- Don’t top slow-growing autos unless you’ve tested the strain.
If your plant is already naturally bushy (like many indica-dominant autos), you may not need topping at all — LST alone might give you the same effect with less stress.
✅ Quick Recap
- When: Between node 4–6, once the plant is 3–4 weeks old.
- Why: To create multiple main colas and an even canopy.
- How: Clean cut just above a node using sterilized scissors.
- Recovery: 7–10 days before major training or flipping.
- Bonus: Add silica + kelp for faster bounce back.
Topping isn’t scary — it’s one of the most rewarding parts of cannabis training. Do it at the right time, support the plant through recovery, and you’ll never look at your canopy the same way again.
