Plant Training Techniques
Part of the free Stevie Weedseed grow guide. No paywall, no account, written by a working grower.
Why Train?
Without training, cannabis grows one dominant top cola. Training redistributes growth hormones so the plant produces multiple main colas instead of one.
Benefits: more bud sites, better light penetration, higher yields, a more even canopy, better airflow. Many growers double their harvest simply by training.
Benefits: more bud sites, better light penetration, higher yields, a more even canopy, better airflow. Many growers double their harvest simply by training.
Topping
Cut the top growth tip after the plant has 4-6 nodes. This forces two main branches instead of one. Each of those can be topped again for 4 main branches. Simple and effective.
Use clean, sharp scissors. The plant will recover in 3-5 days. Do not top autoflowers after week 3, they do not have time to recover.
Use clean, sharp scissors. The plant will recover in 3-5 days. Do not top autoflowers after week 3, they do not have time to recover.
Low Stress Training (LST)
Gently bend branches outward and secure them with soft ties or wire clips. The goal is a flat, even canopy so light hits all bud sites equally.
LST is the most beginner-friendly technique because you are not cutting anything. Adjust ties as the plant grows. Start early in veg for best results.
LST is the most beginner-friendly technique because you are not cutting anything. Adjust ties as the plant grows. Start early in veg for best results.
SCROG (Screen of Green)
Place a mesh screen or trellis net 8-12 inches above the canopy. As branches grow through, tuck them under the screen horizontally. This creates a perfectly flat canopy of bud sites.
SCROG maximizes light efficiency in small tents. It works best with topped plants that have multiple branches.
SCROG maximizes light efficiency in small tents. It works best with topped plants that have multiple branches.
Defoliation
Removing select large fan leaves that block light from lower bud sites. It improves airflow and light penetration.
Rules: Only remove leaves you have a reason to remove. Do not strip more than 20% at once. Never defoliate a stressed or unhealthy plant. The best defoliation times are day 1 of flower, day 21 of flower, and day 42 of flower.
Rules: Only remove leaves you have a reason to remove. Do not strip more than 20% at once. Never defoliate a stressed or unhealthy plant. The best defoliation times are day 1 of flower, day 21 of flower, and day 42 of flower.
When NOT to Train
Avoid training when plants are very young seedlings, stressed or unhealthy, recently transplanted, or autoflowers late in their cycle.
Autoflowers have a fixed timeline. Heavy training costs them recovery time they cannot afford. Stick to gentle LST with autos.
Autoflowers have a fixed timeline. Heavy training costs them recovery time they cannot afford. Stick to gentle LST with autos.