I'm no topping expert and you say you've extensively tested but why would you top after flowering starts? Thats alot of stress during a very important time in a plants life. Wouldn't that reduce yield and delay developement?ive done so many tests on when and where to top, how late is too late ect... What Ive found is that successful topping usually begins at the 3rd true leafset from bottom. Also, try to top above the nodes that have 2 small bud/leaf/stem sites started. Sometimes the secondary branches dont have a double leafset node until 4th or 5th. Dont be afraid to cut them really short. Topping really cranks the gals into action. Also, be prepared for serious nitrogen consumption once they start bushing from being topped. I top all the way into about 3rd week of flower if i have to. Sometimes if you only top the center cola, the secondary stems get hella taller than the primary would have. After week 3 of flower, or if its a HUGE nug in the way, I prefer bending them over. Nowadays, i prefer selecting a shorter strain and flipping sooner, but sometime topping is the way to go. Never fear, they quit growing up around 5th week of flower also. I think Ive addressed topping and have some pictures somewhere in riu, but I cant recall. anyhow, Happy grows to ya!
You top at the second node for 4 even colas.ive done so many tests on when and where to top, how late is too late ect... What Ive found is that successful topping usually begins at the 3rd true leafset from bottom. Also, try to top above the nodes that have 2 small bud/leaf/stem sites started. Sometimes the secondary branches dont have a double leafset node until 4th or 5th. Dont be afraid to cut them really short. Topping really cranks the gals into action. Also, be prepared for serious nitrogen consumption once they start bushing from being topped. I top all the way into about 3rd week of flower if i have to. Sometimes if you only top the center cola, the secondary stems get hella taller than the primary would have. After week 3 of flower, or if its a HUGE nug in the way, I prefer bending them over. Nowadays, i prefer selecting a shorter strain and flipping sooner, but sometime topping is the way to go. Never fear, they quit growing up around 5th week of flower also. I think Ive addressed topping and have some pictures somewhere in riu, but I cant recall. anyhow, Happy grows to ya!