I topped my auto flower Northern Lights

So they are still vegging out, no sign of any flowering just yet but anyway I topped 2 plants out of 4 just to see how they come along.

What can I expect to see? Did I make a mistake topping them?

Pretty sure you're not meant to top/fim or do any kind of training to autos, if I'm not mistaken? Possibly Low Stress Train them but no topping.

Lucy91 said:

So they are still vegging out, no sign of any flowering just yet but anyway I topped 2 plants out of 4 just to see how they come along.

What can I expect to see? Did I make a mistake topping them?

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You'll probably be fine. Might even get a better yield. Assuming all other things are good. People do top and train autos early with good results. It's not uncommon. Usually very early tho.

I've heard northern lights can handle being topped because of the longer harvest times maybe the source was wrong?

If you top an auto you can either totally not get a central cola all together (if it is about to go into flower this will happen) OR instead of one big main cola you'll get two smaller colas in it's place that wont yield as much when compared to if you hadn't topped. That is why people dont top autos. I have a couple afghan mass autos that I topped just in order to keep them from running and it looks like I'm just gonna get two smaller central colas. I've also topped 2 fast 2 vast auto with varying result but ultimately, if height isn't an issue, you shouldn't top autos but if you've got a strain that veg's a little longer than most autos you can get away with it and get the two smaller than average top colas and reduce overall height and make it bush out a bit. Just my 2 cents..

Lucy91 said:

I've heard northern lights can handle being topped because of the longer harvest times maybe the source was wrong?

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Probably not wrong. Yes they are a Sativa Dom. May be looking at a 12 week flower.

Thanks so much for your help, first time with auto flowering strains

Lucy91 said:

So they are still vegging out, no sign of any flowering just yet but anyway I topped 2 plants out of 4 just to see how they come along.

What can I expect to see? Did I make a mistake topping them?

Click to expand...

autos dont really like TOPPING /FIMMING there grow cycle is to short to recover the damage that you have done to them, how ever I took the top off 1 of mine the other day whilst i was LST her, she as boomed back from it , ive taken this as a blessing in disguise I really wouldnt or advocate in topping autos though

topping an auto depends on veg time not flowering time....just saying. Many wont have enough veg time left to bounce back and you always run the risk of stunting which is a big no no with autos.

splat78423 said:

topping an auto depends on veg time not flowering time....just saying. Many wont have enough veg time left to bounce back and you always run the risk of stunting which is a big no no with autos.

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Dude will be fine LOL. I've topped a long time ago. I've broken the main stalk and taped that sucker up more than once. LST'd. If that mofo turns into a dense bush I'll snap off fan leaves all throughout the grow. True there are some sensitive phenos for sure. That will get stunted. But, overall I think the autos are hardy strains that can take a little whooping and keep on giving. I'm a micro guy so..... It's all about the quality. I've seen some amazing yields from autos tho, I think it's a more start to finish kind of thing. Should really try the more advanced techniques on photos in my opinion. But it's all good either way. Happy Easter weekend bro.

I snapped my main stem last week soak bang in between 2 nodes lol its blooming lol I put the top in root gel and into a 1l pot all OK atm

Sorry for post pics

Topping can work,but it needs to be a vigorous plant and you better hope you have the veg time to make use of it.Generally full topping Isnt a good idea after 4 nodes or about 20days from seed.Fims are much less stressful and easier for the plant to recover from.Both can be used effectively with autoflowers if done at the right time...its all about timing with autoflowers.I use multiple fims and aggressive training to keep my plants small and bud packed.Start training as early as possible,that includes fims.By the 3rd node at the latest.