Maximizing Cannabis Yield With Topping & Scrog
It’s no secret that cannabis growers are always looking for ways to maximize their yield. After all, a higher yield means more profit, and who doesn’t love more profit? Luckily, there are several techniques that can be used to achieve this goal, but none are quite as effective as topping and SCROG.
Topping and SCROG may sound like strange terms to those outside of the cannabis growing community, but they are tried and true methods for boosting yield and improving bud quality. These techniques involve pruning the top central cola of a cannabis plant and using a screen to maximize light exposure to the remaining branches.
While it may seem counterintuitive to cut off part of the plant, the benefits of topping and SCROG are undeniable, and any experienced grower will tell you that they are worth the effort.
In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of topping and SCROG, including when to use them, how to perform them, and how to combine them for maximum yield. So, sit back, grab a pen and paper, and get ready to take your cannabis growing game to the next level.
Key Takeaways
– Topping and SCROG are effective techniques to maximize the yield and quality of cannabis plants.
- Topping involves pruning off the top central cola and encouraging the growth of lower branches, while SCROG involves spacing out the plant canopies on a screen to increase light exposure.
- Topping should be done twice before using SCROG to encourage outward growth, and combining the two techniques creates a wider canopy with more bud sites and better light penetration.
- Topping causes the plant to grow laterally with many smaller branches, maximizes sunlight exposure and airflow, and increases both the quantity and quality of cannabis yield.
Cannabis Growth Techniques
The use of cannabis growth techniques such as topping and SCROG have been shown to significantly increase both the quantity and quality of cannabis yield. These techniques help to maximize sunlight exposure and airflow around the plant structure, leading to improved plant health and vigor.
In addition, these methods are considered plant training methods that allow growers to manipulate their plants into growing in specific ways that maximize yield per square foot.
LST training, or low-stress training, is another plant training method that can be used in conjunction with topping and SCROG. This method involves bending and tying down branches to help create a more even canopy and maximize light penetration. By training the plant to grow horizontally rather than vertically, growers can achieve a more even distribution of bud sites and ultimately increase yield.
Overall, the use of these cannabis growth techniques can help growers to produce high-quality, high-yield cannabis crops.
Benefits of Topping
One advantage of utilizing the pruning technique known as topping is the promotion of lateral branch growth, resulting in a fuller and more evenly distributed plant structure. By cutting off the top central cola, the plant is encouraged to distribute its energy across multiple branches, leading to increased bud sites and a more even canopy. This creates a bush-like structure that is ideal for controlling the spread of various diseases or pests on crops due to air circulation between branches.
Here are four benefits of topping that can evoke an emotional response in cannabis growers:
- Topping can lead to larger yields and bigger harvests, which can be satisfying and rewarding for growers.
- The increased bud sites created by topping can result in higher quality cannabis with more potent effects, which can be exciting for consumers.
- Topping can help create a more aesthetically pleasing plant structure that can be visually appealing, especially for growers who take pride in their plants.
- The even canopy created by topping can help ensure that every part of the plant receives adequate light exposure, which can result in healthier and more vibrant plants.
When to Top
To ensure proper timing for the topping process, growers must consider the optimal node count to perform the technique on their cannabis plants. This can be determined by counting the sets of leaves on the stem, which represent one node each.
Cannabis plants should be topped after they have established three to five nodes, which is typically about 30 days into their vegetative stage. This timing allows for the plant to develop a strong root system and sufficient foliage to handle the stress of topping.
However, delaying the topping process can also have its benefits. If growers allow the plant to grow taller and develop more nodes, it can lead to a larger yield and more colas. On the other hand, early topping can have drawbacks such as stunted growth and smaller yields.
It is essential to find the balance between allowing the plant to mature and topping at the optimal node count to achieve maximum yield potential.
Materials Needed
Materials needed for the topping process include pruning tools such as a pair of sterile scissors or garden shears to cut off the top of the plant. It is important to ensure that the tools used are sterilized to prevent the introduction of any unwanted pathogens that can harm the plant. Sterilizing the tools can be done by soaking them in isopropyl alcohol and drying them before use.
Apart from pruning tools, other materials that are needed for maximizing cannabis yield include growing mediums and lighting techniques. The choice of growing medium can have a significant impact on the yield of the cannabis plant. It is important to choose a medium that provides the right balance of water, nutrients, and oxygen to the plant.
Additionally, the right lighting technique can increase yield by providing the plant with the right amount and quality of light. Using a combination of topping and SCROG with proper lighting and growing mediums can lead to a bountiful harvest with larger yields and higher-quality buds.
Lollipopping
Lollipopping is a pruning technique that has gained popularity in cannabis cultivation. As plants grow, lower branches may not receive enough light exposure due to shading from upper leaves, leading to stunted growth or poor-quality buds. Lollipopping involves removing these branches, leaving only the upper portions of the plant that receive sufficient light. This technique helps to redirect plant growth towards producing larger, higher quality buds, and helps to prevent the spread of pests and diseases by increasing airflow around the plant.
The lollipopping technique is often used in conjunction with topping and SCROG techniques to maximize yield. When lollipopping, it is important to consider the timing of the pruning to avoid stressing the plant. It is recommended to wait until the plant has established a strong root system and has entered the vegetative stage before performing any pruning. Additionally, it is important to use sterile tools to prevent the spread of diseases between plants. The table below summarizes the benefits and drawbacks of lollipopping in cannabis cultivation.
| Pros | Cons |
- | Increases bud size and quality | Can cause stress to the plant if done at the wrong time |
- | Increases airflow and light penetration | Can reduce overall yield if overdone |
- | Prevents spread of pests and diseases | Can increase the time needed for plant maintenance |
- | Can be used in combination with other pruning techniques | Requires careful consideration of timing and technique | | Proper training and knowledge of plant anatomy is necessary for successful implementation. |
SCROG Technique
After lollipopping, cannabis growers often employ the Screen of Green (SCROG) technique to further maximize their yields. SCROG is a popular growing method that involves using a screen to train cannabis plants to grow horizontally, thereby creating an even canopy. This technique helps to increase light penetration and distribution, leading to improved bud development and higher yields.
To employ the SCROG technique, growers hang a screen above their plants and adjust its placement to ensure that every branch receives an even amount of light. As the plants grow, they are trained to grow horizontally by weaving branches through the screen. This process ensures that the plants’ canopies are spread out evenly, allowing for maximum light penetration and energy distribution.
By combining topping and SCROG techniques, growers can create a wider canopy with more available bud sites, allowing for even higher yields.
Combining Topping and SCROG
Combining the pruning technique that cuts off the top central cola of cannabis plants with the Screen of Green (SCROG) method, growers can create a wider canopy with more bud sites and even light distribution, resulting in higher quality and quantity of harvests. Topping encourages the lateral growth of cannabis plants, creating multiple main stems with more available bud sites. When combined with the SCROG method, growers can train and manage plant growth to maximize yield and quality.
Here are some training methods and harvest optimization techniques that growers can use when combining topping and SCROG:
- Start by topping the plant twice to encourage outward growth before implementing the SCROG method. This will create a wider canopy with even more available bud sites.
- Use a screen above the colas of the plants to train height management and increase light exposure.
- Space out plant canopies and place them in an even manner on the screen to ensure maximum light penetration into every part of it.
- Topping and SCROG create a wider canopy with more available sites for light penetration, encouraging full bud production and increasing both the quantity and quality of cannabis yield.
Other Cannabis Growing Tips
After considering the combination of topping and SCROG, it’s essential to consider other cannabis growing tips that can maximize the yield of the plants. One of the growing techniques that have been gaining popularity in recent years is bonsai cannabis. Bonsai cannabis involves growing a miniature version of the plant in a traditional bonsai form. This technique allows growers to control their plant’s size and shape, making it easier to fit into small spaces while still maximizing yields.
Another crucial factor to consider when maximizing cannabis yield is the presence of terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants that contribute to the plant’s flavor, aroma, and therapeutic effects. Farnesene is one of the terpenes found in cannabis, and it exists in six distinct forms. Growers should consider cultivating strains that contain high levels of farnesene to increase the yield and potency of their cannabis.
To further expand on these cannabis growing tips, we can use the following table to outline some additional techniques and considerations:
| Technique/Consideration | Description |
- | Super cropping | A cannabis training method that involves gently bending and manipulating the plant’s stems to increase yield without cultivating more plants. |
- | Light intensity and duration | Cannabis plants require a specific amount of light intensity and duration to thrive. Growers should ensure that their plants receive adequate light exposure during the vegetative and flowering stages. |
- | Nutrient balance | Proper nutrient balance is essential for maximizing cannabis yield. Growers should ensure that their plants receive the appropriate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, among other essential nutrients. |
- | Pest and disease control | Proper pest and disease control measures are crucial for maintaining healthy cannabis plants and maximizing yield. Growers should regularly inspect their plants for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action if necessary. |
- | Harvesting and curing | Harvesting and curing cannabis plants correctly can greatly impact the final yield and quality of the product. Growers should carefully monitor their plants’ trichomes and harvest them at the appropriate time, followed by a proper curing process to enhance flavor and potency. |
By incorporating these techniques and considerations, cannabis growers can maximize their yield and produce top-quality buds. As with any crop, careful planning, attention to detail, and a willingness to experiment with different techniques can lead to impressive results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the topping and SCROG techniques?
When using the topping and SCROG techniques, it is important to be aware of common training mistakes and best practices for yield optimization and plant health.
Some common mistakes to avoid include topping too early or too late in the vegetative stage, which can lead to stunted growth or an uneven canopy. It is also important to avoid over-topping, as this can stress the plant and lead to a decrease in yield. Proper training and support for the plant are crucial to prevent damage or breakage of branches.
Best practices for maximizing yield and plant health include waiting until the plant has established at least three to five nodes before topping, spacing out plant canopies evenly on the SCROG screen, and providing adequate nutrition and light.
Overall, careful attention to timing and technique can lead to successful yield optimization with topping and SCROG.
Can topping be done multiple times during the vegetative stage, and if so, how many times?
Multiple toppings can be done during the vegetative stage of cannabis plants, but the optimal timing for each additional topping depends on the plant’s growth rate and overall health.
Topping is typically done once the plant has established three to five nodes, or about 30 days into the vegetative stage.
Once the plant has recovered from the first topping, which takes an average of 2-3 days, it can be topped again to encourage outward growth and create a wider canopy with more available sites for light penetration.
For best results, wait two weeks before performing another topping to extend the canopy even further.
However, it is important to monitor the plant’s growth and overall health to determine if multiple toppings are necessary or if they may harm the plant.
Experienced growers often use the combination of topping and SCROG to maximize yields, but it is important to approach these techniques with caution and careful attention to the plant’s needs.
How does the combination of topping and SCROG affect the final THC and CBD content of the buds?
The combination of topping and SCROG may have some effect on the terpene profile of cannabis buds, but the research on this topic is limited. Topping and SCROG are cultivation techniques that increase the yield and quality of cannabis buds by maximizing light exposure and promoting lateral growth.
Topping should be done after the plant has established three to five nodes, which is typically about 30 days into the vegetative stage. The optimal time for SCROG is after the second topping, when the plant has a wider canopy with more available sites for light penetration.
While the combination of topping and SCROG may affect the terpene profile of cannabis buds, further research is needed to fully understand the extent of this impact.
Are there any specific cannabis strains that are better suited for topping and SCROG techniques?
When it comes to cannabis strains that are best suited for topping and SCROG techniques, it is important to consider genetics that promote lateral growth and respond well to training methods.
Some popular strains that have been shown to respond well to topping and SCROG include Green Crack, Sour Diesel, and Super Silver Haze.
However, it is important to note that the success of these techniques ultimately depends on the individual plant’s genetics and growing environment.
In terms of yield comparison between topped and non-topped plants, topping has been shown to increase the number of bud sites and ultimately lead to a higher yield.
However, it is important to note that while topping can increase yield, it also requires a longer vegetative stage and the possibility of the plant being too heavy from multiple colas.
Ultimately, the decision to top or not to top a cannabis plant should be based on individual preferences and goals for the harvest.
Can topping and SCROG be used in conjunction with other training methods, such as super cropping or low-stress training?
Topping and SCROG can be used in conjunction with other training methods, such as super cropping or low-stress training, to further increase cannabis yield.
Super cropping benefits cannabis plants by increasing yield without cultivating more plants. This technique involves gently bending the stems of the plant in order to create new growth nodes and increase the number of bud sites.
Advanced SCROG methods, such as double or triple layering screens, can also be used to maximize light penetration and increase the number of bud sites.
Low-stress training can also be combined with topping and SCROG to further improve yield, by gently bending the stems of the plants to create an even canopy.
However, it is important to note that each training method should be used with care and consideration for the specific needs of the cannabis plant in question.