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Topping fimming – marijuana training techniques
In this post, we will cover two issues related to cannabis training. Topping and fimming - what are both methods? What are the differences and why are they used in cannabis cultivation?
If you are lucky and live in a country where the law allows you to gain hands-on experience in cannabis cultivation, you will definitely benefit from various types of marijuana plant training. Topping and fimming are used to obtain a lower, but more spreading structure of the plant, and above all to increase yields. These techniques are known as HST (High Stress Training), i.e. high stress training for the plant. Keep in mind that not all genetics will respond well to this type of stress. As a rule, it is better to choose resistant varieties, reaching a minimum height of 150 cm. Too low varieties, unfortunately, may not work in this case.
What is marijuana topping?
Topping is the first marijuana training method we'll cover. Topping is the thorough removal of the top of the plant. At the top of the main shoot there is the largest amount of the hormone that causes the plant to grow vertically upwards - Auxin. It is thanks to auxin that most of the nutrients are directed to the main shoot, which makes the side shoots usually less impressive. Removing the entire top of the plant causes the plant to convert two side shoots into main shoots, and the cut top is not restored. The plant will be shorter than it would be without this treatment, but it will gain a bushier structure and more impressive buds.
TOPPING
The first effects of marijuana topping
It is important to do this at the right time. The best time will be when the plant has time to develop a clear main shoot exceeding at least the second or fifth internode, depending on the plant. The idea is that the marijuana already has strong enough roots and stem to recover quickly from high stress. There are growers who believe that the best time to perform topping is when the plant has 4 to 6 pairs of true leaves.
On the website of the marijuana seed producer RQS we read that it will be best to do this during about 30 days of the plant's vegetative phase. Importantly, topping can be repeated over time and thus increase the structure of the canopy.
What is marijuana fimming?
The fimming method was discovered by accident, or rather by mistake. Fimming (English: Fuck I Missed) was initially simply a failed or poorly performed attempt at topping. Only later, through observation and refining a new technique, breeders discovered that by leaving about 25-30% of the top and removing the rest, they could achieve truly noteworthy results.
FIM
Fimming marijuana - HST training
What is cannabis fimming and how to do it?
Removing more of the top of the main shoot will slow down the vertical growth of the plant temporarily, and the extra energy will be used to grow the side shoots. The side parts of the plant including the leaves and stems will gain in strength and size while the main shoot will recover (after about a week). This will result in more stronger shoots of similar height, creating something like a canopy or plant with a wider structure. As a result, more buds will reach their maximum size and potency, and the plant will be denser.
This lower and wider cannabis structure is also often desired by growers with limited growing space or those who don't want to flaunt it. It is worth remembering not to remove too little or too much when removing the peak. The minimum is 25% of the remaining peak fragment. Do not fimming when the plant has already started flowering! As with Topping, taller strains are best for this type of training.
Topping and fimming tips
There are a few important things to consider when applying any marijuana training technique. First of all, not every variety of the cannabis plant is suitable for every training application. All forms of interference in the development of the plant are associated with its stress. The conditions in which the plant grows, if they are inappropriate, also affect some kind of stress or effort that it must put into its development. If we intend to add additional stress to the plant, we should first take care of the best climatic, nutritional and substrate conditions. Let's choose a variety that is recommended by the manufacturer as responsive and resistant to training. Use clean tools for all treatments.
Topping fimming – recommended cannabis seeds
As we mentioned, some strains of marijuana cope less well with high stress than others. As always, the right choice of feminized seeds is paramount! World seed producers such as Barney’s Farm, Dutch Passion, Royal Queen Seeds or Fast Buds when describing their genetics, they pay attention to their strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the descriptions of the varieties of producers, in which we can often find recommended methods of training and growing a given variety of marijuana. Below you will find selected genetics that are recommended for FIM training and topping.
Think Fast Dutch Passion
Critical Orange Punch Dutch Passion
ICE Royal Queen Seeds
Shiskaberry Barneys Farm
Dream Berry Female Seeds
Euforia Dutch Passion
Summary – advantages of topping and fimming training
The general advantages of conducting this type of marijuana plant training:
- Increased yields: Both of these methods lead to the development of more shoots and branches, which translates into more inflorescences and ultimately higher yields.
- Better use of light: By stimulating the plant to branch, the leaf area capable of absorbing light increases, which is crucial for photosynthesis.
- Creating a bushier plant: These techniques encourage plants to grow bushier, which is beneficial when growing space is limited.
- Increased control over the shape of the plant: They allow for better control of the plant's growth and shape, which is especially important in indoor cultivation where space is limited.
- Reducing the risk of diseases and pests: Bushy plants with a well-ventilated structure are less susceptible to disease and pest attacks.
- Better hormonal balance: Topping and fimming can affect the hormonal balance in the plant, which promotes healthy growth.
- Higher flower quality: Branched plants often produce better quality flowers because each flower has better access to light and air.
Remember that both of these techniques require experience and precision, so they are only recommended for use by more experienced growers. If you are interested in other cannabis breeding techniques used by the best breeders, check what they are lollipop.
We would like to remind you that in Poland, the law prohibits the cultivation of hemp other than fibrous, and all information about cultivation is for educational purposes. In countries where cultivation is legal, the knowledge contained in the entry can be treated as valuable tips, while in other places on the world map, all information should be treated as a curiosity.
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