Did I top my clones wrong?(PICS)

Ok, so I topped my babies 2 nights ago, and I think I might have done it wrong. I cut off the tiniest of new growth, leaving the 2 biggest leaves under it. While this did cause more branches to sprout out of all the babies, there are NOT two new shoots coming out of the tops, in most there are either 2 or 1 small tiny leaves coming out of where I cut. I tried to take a picture of it but my digi cam is really cheap and blurry. I just don't see new shoots, only new or very small leaves.

Did I not top low enough? Should I cut off the new leaves all the way to the next node split down? Or should I just wait?

To top, you just cut off the growing shoot. It used to be that the only concern was to not bisect a node but when FiM'n came along, that went out the window. I can't really see anything I'd describe as a topped plant. Take pics slightly further away.

OK M.F. here are some pictures, I hope these are more clear. When I topped these, I didn't cut off any shoots like you said, I only cut off the tiniest little leaves that were sprouting up from the peak of the plant. So I am assuming that I topped them wrong, so should I cut the shoot down to the closest node of leaves or wait orrr...?

I know this is a novice mistake but I am a complete novice myself and I appreciate your advice.

You need to cut off more. You want to cut the main stem/stalk. You can't really hurt the plant as long as you leave at least half of the plant/stem.

Here is a link, though it deals with topping plants from seed. Clones usually have alternating nodes/branches instead.

https://www.rollitup.org/advanced-marijuana-cultivation/151706-uncle-bens-topping-technique-get.html

Thanks, I have read that uncle ben thread, maybe it's because of this alternating node thing that you speak of that I didn't top enough. I guess I will cut down some more tonight. Should I just cut down to the next closest big node/branch?

I wouldn't recommend topping at all! Why not just bend the top down and tie it, and let the lower sections grow up? It causes almost zero stress to the plant, so it doesn't slow growth, and you don't have to hurt your friends... who you will kill and harvest organs from in a couple of months.

You should cut the top/main-stem right off and leave at least 2 or 3 main/alternating nodes/branches, imo. Trust me, dont be afraid to hack that main stalk in half, as long as you leave at least 1 or 2 main nodes.

I have not yet topped any of my clones, but I have topped/harvested a couple from seed. The clones I got are just starting to go into a staggered flower, so none have been topped yet, but some will later.

I edited and uploaded the pics with circles of where I would cut. Make sure you try to wait at least 7 - 14 days after topping before you flower, so the new growth can establish itself before the stretch.

Rascality Afoot said:

I wouldn't recommend topping at all! Why not just bend the top down and tie it, and let the lower sections grow up? It causes almost zero stress to the plant, so it doesn't slow growth, and you don't have to hurt your friends... who you will kill and harvest organs from in a couple of months.

Click to expand...

I like this post. Very well said.

I just got 10 clones and plan to not do anything to the first couple/smaller clones (all of my first bag seed plants were topped), and then try topping and/or LST'ing some, so I can compare the results first hand.

Well the reason I was needing to top is because I did some research on this strain I am growing, and it said that even without any veg time, clones will stretch to 1-1.5 meters, which is around 3-4 feet right? I am limited in height in my grow tent to about 4 ft so I thought topping would make them stay shorter. Also, I might not have enough room to bend them all over. Topping them will keep them shorter and bushier right?

So Rasputin, you've indicated 3 different spots to cut on the plant, so would you go with the top, middle or bottom circle, or is it just a reference as to different spots I can top at?

Topping will keep them shorter/bushier. I circled a couple areas you could try, as I dont have any practical experience with clones yet, only from seed.

If height's an issue have you considered using a scrog?

I did consider that but this is my first time growing and have no idea how to go about that. I know there are posts on here about scrog and such but I haven't given it much research. Could I do that with 16 babies?