1highman
Member
I want to try this method, but not sure how to go about it with my 2 girls. This is them at 4 weeks veg today.
NL x BB
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Afghan Kush
NL x BB
View attachment 2498306
Afghan Kush
Uncle Ben's Topping Technique to Get 2 or 4 Main Colas
- Thread starter Uncle Ben
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grimeygreasy
Member
this thread wont die thats for sure since this thread is already sticky
Uncle Ben already gave the many answers in thread that you re seeking, you just have to read it all, a lot of goodies in this thread and try to read all of his posts what i did...i learned a lot from his posts.
Peace.
I'm awaiting results from your cuts bro Keep us posted! This thread don't have to die with UB lol.
The only thoughts I have are that it's a good idea by you to see what you come up with...
Thanks for your input. After a whole lot of reading I started a little experiment of my own, and my results seem to go against what was described in this thread when it comes to topping clones with alternating nodes. I certaily don't want to clutter up this sticky with my off topic ramblings, so if anyone is interested in following my findings, I started a thread relating to my test here. https://www.rollitup.org/advanced-marijuana-cultivation/614260-fim-vs-topping-best-clones.html
mods, feel free to clean up my prior posts in here if you see fit.
Sincerely420
New Member
Just did made a bunch of different cuts to a groups or seedlings, including Uncle Bens topping method. Peep my sig for the cuts 
Results are proven if you follow instructions, so I'm hoping for 4 main colas
Results are proven if you follow instructions, so I'm hoping for 4 main colas
inspiredgardener
Active Member
There are so many broken and dead links here now I could cry.
inspiredgardener
Active Member
Read 31 pages this morning
. Thanks UB and a few others for the scientific look at topping 
I'll be using this method soon. Very easy and predictable, not to mention low maintanence for the yield rewarded. 
. Thanks UB and a few others for the scientific look at topping I'll be using this method soon. Very easy and predictable, not to mention low maintanence for the yield rewarded. 
Guitar Man
Well-Known Member
These are my 2 topped plants, using UB's technique. The first few pics were taken 8 days ago. The others were taken this morning, and they are doing fantastic! They both have 4 main colas developing. Began flowering (12/12) 3 days ago. I have 2 different strains, as you can tell by the size difference. Planted the germinated seeds on 12/31/2012. Plant on the right is 17". Plant on the left is 9".
Sincerely420
New Member
<- Uncle Ben'd Critical Jack. Topped just above 2nd true node. Have 6 nodes when I topped it.ShotgunWally
Member
i agree with you on that one thanx for all ur input ,ol hippy here peace, Shotgun
Sand4x105
Well-Known Member
UB, a quick question on this:
[I read first 5 pages...skipped to 201-301-401...then read the last few...]
Anyway, The plant I have picked to try this method, I have already taken the bottom two node/branches off as clones.
So I would be cutting above the second, and third sets of nodes, [which are now the bottom two sets] right, this would still be ok ?
As long as you leave the bottom two sets this method will work, RIght??
Thanks UB...
[I read first 5 pages...skipped to 201-301-401...then read the last few...]
Anyway, The plant I have picked to try this method, I have already taken the bottom two node/branches off as clones.
So I would be cutting above the second, and third sets of nodes, [which are now the bottom two sets] right, this would still be ok ?
As long as you leave the bottom two sets this method will work, RIght??
Thanks UB...
Usernamewastaken
Well-Known Member
UB: I read through 7 pages of this thread and am eager to try this method on my newly acquired rooted clones.
1 question: does it matter if the nodes are non alternating vs alternating as to where I should cut?
thaks
UNWT
1 question: does it matter if the nodes are non alternating vs alternating as to where I should cut?
thaks
UNWT
Uncle Ben
Well-Known Member
This question has been answered a dozen times! READ
I'm gonna post this one more time. There is a much better rendition of this thread at Riddle3m.com with a FAQ that I wrote to cover pointers that are buried in this thread. Bookmark or print this page people!
FAQ
Q - Is your technique effective with a clone?
A - Only if the cutting (clone) has opposing nodes. Don't expect to get 2 or 4 main colas if the nodes are alternating. You're manipulating the plant's hormonal processes aka "apical dominance". The plant will redistribute the auxins equally to dormant foliar buds.
************************************
Q - Will this work on a landrace, indica OR sativa, and what about hybrids?
A - The hormonal processes, redistribution of auxins, work the same whether you have a sativa, afghan (indica) or your typical mutt.
************************************
Q - Can I cut above the 3rd or 4th node?
A - You can, but you won't get the same effect regarding bulked up main colas. I came up with this simple technique in order to increase main cola production from 1 main cola to 2 or 4. If you want alot of bud sites and a bushier plant, then top at say.....the 8th node, but, that's not my technique as described.
************************************
Q - I don't want to stress my plants. How long will this set my plants back?
A - There is no stress involved like underwatering a plant or giving it too much heat or light. They will respond with new output where the leaf petiole attaches to the "trunk" within 24 hours. If not, you have a cultural issue that you need to address.
************************************
Q - You say to wait until the plant has 5-6 nodes before topping. Why?
A - That is only a guide to insure you have an established, well growing plant with a good root system. 3 nodes or 8, it's your call.
************************************
Q - Can I root the cutting?
A - Of course.
************************************
Q - What's a node??
A - Get outta here!
Sincerely420
New Member
yeahhh buddy! UB is back to the topping thread! Thanks for bringing him back with those idiot ass questions hahah
grimeygreasy
Member
Again, I'd like to interject. I (and others) have had success with traditional topping methods on clones with alternating nodes, and although I wouldn't necessarily call the results traditional (symetirical mirrored growth from multiple new growth sites), new growth in multiple mains is still achieved. While I agree that technically you could say topping "doesn't work" if your barometer for success is simply traditional results, I don't think that the definitive answer is that simple.
my 2 cents anyways...
hiitsbob
Well-Known Member
my plant had a slight mishap at seedling stage dried out a bit. 1st set of true leave tips dried out a bit and 2nd is not a set just a single branch.
made a nice recovery its 12 days now. wanted to make sure topping above 2nd would give me 3 top colas if not would like advice.
i am gonna top and scrog since i have a 2x2 room with cfl's and think this is best option for easy coverage with lights.
thanks for the advice bob.
the first pics are 2-8 the second is 2-13 today will be 14 day out of the ground.
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made a nice recovery its 12 days now. wanted to make sure topping above 2nd would give me 3 top colas if not would like advice.
i am gonna top and scrog since i have a 2x2 room with cfl's and think this is best option for easy coverage with lights.
thanks for the advice bob.
the first pics are 2-8 the second is 2-13 today will be 14 day out of the ground.
View attachment 2524500View attachment 2524495View attachment 2524496
Uncle Ben
Well-Known Member
What is the title and subject of this thread? Another clue - there are some key words in what you quoted that just might indicate my desired result.
Stay focused......
I always thought topping was where you found new growth and cut it off the plant on the tops. I read your origional post and it shows where you made the cut right above the 5th node. Are you supposed to leave a little of the stem like in your first photo? Thanks again for the how too. Can't wait to try this
Guitar Man
Well-Known Member
drew425, I was a little confused when I first looked at this Thread, but take another look at UB's cut (photo on first page). You let the plant grow to 5-6 nodes, then, you cut above the 2nd node. That means, you are going to get rid of the upper 4 nodes. Once I realized this, I completely understood the technique.
Right now, I have 2 plants in my closet that I've done this too, and they have both responded like UB said they would. I am 20 days into flowering, and the plants are unreal! I've got 4 main colas on both plants, with other bud sights coming out of everywhere!
I am growing 2 different stains (Indicia and Sativia). The Indicia is doing fine without any additional cutting on top. The Sativia is a different story. The stretch took her up to my lights, so I topped her again on the 2 main cola's, which are coming from the upper node. Now, I've got 4 tops coming out of those colas!!!!!!
From my experience, this harvest is going to be incredible!!
(Pics coming soon!)
username1234567
Active Member
Uncle Ben,
Got a question about topping, your method above the 2nd true node causes 4 main cola's, and above 1st gives 2 cola's.
I understand that.
My question is, what about with a polyploid? i have one with 3 leaf sets per node atm, would topping at 1st node give 3, and topping 2nd node give 6?
I guess it would, but want your opinion because you know about the hormonal responce thing,
Thanks
Got a question about topping, your method above the 2nd true node causes 4 main cola's, and above 1st gives 2 cola's.
I understand that.
My question is, what about with a polyploid? i have one with 3 leaf sets per node atm, would topping at 1st node give 3, and topping 2nd node give 6?
I guess it would, but want your opinion because you know about the hormonal responce thing,
Thanks
hiitsbob
Well-Known Member
well i went and topped today and tried for a clone with no root hormone.
it is a short bushy girl. hoping for the best its 14 days today.
1st 2 are topped pic
middle 2 clone attempt
last 2 are pics from yesterday
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it is a short bushy girl. hoping for the best its 14 days today.
1st 2 are topped pic
middle 2 clone attempt
last 2 are pics from yesterday
View attachment 2525036View attachment 2525037View attachment 2525038View attachment 2525039
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