When To Top A Cannabis Plant: Timing, Signs, And Common Mistakes

What Does Topping A Cannabis Plant Mean?

Topping is a pruning technique where the main growing tip is removed, forcing the plant to redirect growth into multiple branches instead of one dominant top.

The goal of topping is:

• to reduce apical dominance
• to encourage bushier growth
• to create multiple main colas

Topping is a high-stress technique, which means timing matters.

Why Timing Matters When Topping Cannabis

Topping always causes stress.

If you top:

• too early, the plant lacks strength to recover
• too late, the benefit is reduced
• when the plant is stressed, recovery is slow

Correct timing allows the plant to:

• heal quickly
• redirect hormones efficiently
• resume healthy growth

This is why topping is about plant readiness, not calendar days.

The Best Time To Top A Cannabis Plant

General Rule Of Thumb

Most cannabis plants are ready to be topped when they have 5 to 6 healthy nodes and are growing vigorously.

However, node count alone is not enough.

Signs Your Cannabis Plant Is Ready To Be Topped

Your plant is likely ready if:

• it has at least 5 well-developed nodes
• the main stem is sturdy, not thin
• new growth appears daily
• leaves are upright and healthy
• no signs of nutrient stress or drooping

If growth looks slow or uneven, wait.

When You Should NOT Top A Cannabis Plant

Avoid topping if:

• the plant is still very small
• growth is slow or stalled
• leaves are drooping or discolored
• roots are not established
• the plant recently experienced stress

Stacking stress events often causes setbacks.

Where To Top A Cannabis Plant

Most growers top above the 3rd or 4th node.

This leaves:

• multiple strong side branches
• a balanced structure
• enough lower growth to support recovery

Cutting too low reduces recovery speed.
Cutting too high limits branching benefits.

Topping Cannabis vs Other Training Methods

For gentle shaping, see low stress training.
For structured symmetry, see mainlining cannabis.
And for canopy control, see SCROG cannabis.

Topping Cannabis Step By Step

Step 1: Wait For Vigorous Growth

Only top a cannabis plant that is actively growing and clearly healthy.

At this stage, the plant should:

• produce new leaves every few days
• have a sturdy main stem
• show upright, relaxed leaves
• display no signs of nutrient stress or drooping

Topping a slow or stressed plant often leads to stalled growth and poor recovery.

Step 2: Identify The Correct Node

Count nodes starting from the base of the plant, just above the soil line.

A node is the point where:

• a pair of fan leaves emerges
• side shoots begin to form

Most growers choose to top above the 3rd or 4th node, depending on how much lower growth they want to keep. This determines where the plant will branch and how wide it will grow.

Take a moment here. Cutting location defines the final structure.

Step 3: Make A Clean Cut

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning snips.

Cut:

• just above the selected node
• in one smooth motion
• without crushing or tearing the stem

A clean cut heals faster and reduces stress. Avoid pinching or twisting the stem, as this can slow recovery and invite infection.

Step 4: Allow Recovery Before Further Training

After topping, the plant needs time to rebalance its growth hormones.

For the next few days:

• keep temperature and humidity stable
• avoid additional training or pruning
• maintain normal watering and feeding
• watch for new growth at the side branches

Healthy plants usually show new tops forming within 3 to 7 days. Only begin further training once growth looks steady and relaxed again.

How Many Times Can You Top A Cannabis Plant?

Most growers top once or twice.

Each topping:

• increases recovery time
• adds stress
• extends vegetative growth

More toppings require more veg time and stable conditions.

Topping Autoflowers: A Special Case

Topping autoflowers is not recommended for beginners.

Autoflowers:

• have limited vegetative time
• may not recover before flowering
• respond unpredictably to stress

If attempted, topping must happen very early and only on vigorous plants.

Common Mistakes When Topping Cannabis

Final Thoughts On When To Top A Cannabis Plant

Topping cannabis is not mandatory.

It is a tool, and like all tools, it works best when used at the right moment.

The best time to top a cannabis plant is when:

• growth is strong
• roots are established
• the plant looks eager, not fragile

Strong genetics recover faster and respond better to topping. Choosing reliable High THC Seeds gives you plants that handle training calmly and grow into balanced, productive structures.

FAQ: When To Top A Cannabis Plant

What is the best node to top cannabis?

Most growers top above the 3rd or 4th node.

How tall should a plant be before topping?

Height varies, but most plants are ready around 6–10 inches if growth is healthy.

Can topping reduce yield?

If timed poorly, yes. When done correctly, it usually improves structure and yield.

How long does recovery take after topping?

Typically 3–7 days for healthy plants.