Topping plants

I'm limited on hight for my plants to grow under. I was planning on topping them when they got to the hight that I want them and then I would make clones out of the tops. Is this a bad idea? If it's ok to do this, when is the best time to do this? I was thinking maybe a week or so before I put them into flower, but have no clue. Thanks for any advice.

For your needs, I think you'd be better off with lst. I have a headband kush mother I LST'd because it is a really stretchy strain and doesn't bush. The plant has become quite large in this state and produces many, many tops which are all great active cloning sites. I always get a cut off the top, I just took 6 yesterday and all look strong. LST is also great for height restrictions.

Of course it depends on what kidk of plant your growing (tall, medium, or short) I usally top right above the 6th node. That could be when the plant is 12 to 14 inches in hieght? Then after topping I let it veg for another week before I put into flower. Some plants react well to topping other don't. What were you planning on growing? If I knew that I may be able to help you out more.

Plants usually stretch once put into flower.
Pot size, light distance, and size when put into flower
are some things to keep in mind.
Example: I took 4 cuttings, growing in one gallon pots,
all four were topped, and put into flower at 5"-6" tall, two weeks later all four are 11 to 12 inches tall.
I didn't want plants taller than 15"-18" so that's why i topped at the fourth node, used small pots,
and put them in flower at 5" to 6" tall.
Knowing the strain helps too, I know this strain doesn't stretch as much
as some plants do.
I just wish i knew what the hell it was.

i've learned that topping is generally done in areas where you can allow the top colas to expand and grow as much as possible.

LST seems to be the method of choice when restricted to a smaller growing area. and you want a decent yield from the plant at the same time.

if i were you and i was limited in the area i could grow, i would check out the LST guides on the site. I've linked one below for ya:

LST Guide

Thanks alot everyone. Thanks ian for posting that guide. I am trying the train wreck strain, at least that's what I was told it was. I like the sounds of LST for sure. On another note, which might be a dumb question, is it best to cut clones from a plant in veg or does it matter?

i am actually experimenting with when to cut clones right now, with my first grow.

my thoughts are that i wouldn't want to take a clone from a flowering plant and then put it back into 24/0 light, i think that may stress it out a bit (wouldn't want to hermie out my girls).

from just guessing at it, i would say that it would be best to take a clone from a vegging plant (as long as you are 100% it is female) and not a flowering.

yeah that is what i kinda thought

There is a thread by Uncle Ben regarding topping that is a must read for any who need info on the subject of topping:
**Click here**

Peace!

DoobieBrother said:

There is a thread by Uncle Ben regarding topping that is a must read for any who need info on the subject of topping:
**Click here**

Peace!

Click to expand...

i was going to add that link if you didnt!

yup yup! try UBs topping technique! turned my 4 plants into 15! best thing i ever did to my plants!

I had the same question and asked it on here and I was told by two or three people that you can still take cuts/clones up to 3-4 weeks into flowering if you put them under 24/0 light and add some nitrogen back into their diet and they should come back to veg without problems.