Cannabis training is best for indoors or outdoor cannabis growing. These techniques allow grower to have more control over farming and harvesting. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced grower, you cannot overlook the benefits cannabis training techniques provides you.
Why not allow cannabis plants naturally? Why to apply these training? See, cannabis plant blooms even in natural environment and depends on day cycle. But if you are growing plant indoors, you need to mimic the light cycle by using a proper lighting setup and schedule to harvest better yield.
But this is not just the case for indoors, even outdoor cannabis sometimes grow smaller and gives less buds. You might have noticed that buds in the lower plant section is almost less visible and does not get proper light. When you pluck them them are less potent too.
It happens because of low nutrients, imbalanced pH, etc. It can be eradicated, if you follow plant training. In this you have command over growing scenario and you train the plant in such a way that it produces higher quality and denser buds in the same level. How? We are discussing this in detail.
What is Cannabis Plant Training and Benefits?
Cannabis plant training is a technique used by growers to manipulate the growth of their plants to achieve higher yields indoors. You can increase the outcome by 50% if you know how to apply these techniques appropriately.
There are three main types of training:
1. Structural Optimization( Little twists with little to no damage to plant)
2. Advanced Growing Techniques (Removal of plant and applying strategically growing methods)
3. Manipulating Production Cycles (Ways to get faster and bigger yields)
Types of Cannabis Training
As we know that there are three key techniques that grower can apply for bountiful harvest. You can apply one or two techniques at a time as these techniques complement each other. For example, when using fast version seeds, you get fast timelines already but you can use bending or securing plant parts for extra care. Now let us see the breakdown of all:
1. Structural Optimization
This technique also known as Low Stress Training LST, involves bending or securing the parts of the plant to achieve specific goals. There are several methods like:
LST (Low-Stress Training)
It is a gentle and widely used method that focuses on bending and securing the stems and branches of your plant to create an even canopy. The main idea is to spread the tall stems by bending them away from the middle plant and spreading out horizontally for better light penetration. LST utilizes soft ties, clips, or a trellis net to maintain the desired shape. It should be applied when the stem is young and flexible else you might end up damaging the plant. This helps in increasing yields, improved bud quality, enhanced airflow and height control.
How to do it?
Begin LST during the vegetative stage when the plant is young and flexible (around 3-4 weeks old). To do this, locate the main stem and identify the branches and bend them carefully downwards towards the desired position.
Avoid using excessive force and gently secure the bent branches. As the plant grows, gently adjust the ties and branches to maintain an even canopy. You can repeat LST throughout the vegetative stage to achieve the desired canopy structure.
No-Technique Plant Training (Natural Growth):
This method is the basic one that allows the plant to grow naturally without any intervention. If you are a novice and want natural results, it’s for you. Here the main stem is bent to 90 degrees when plant is young. While it requires less effort, it might not optimize yield or bud quality. Light penetration can be uneven, potentially leading to less developed flowers on lower branches.
Supercropping and Lollipopping (High-Stress Training):
These techniques involve more aggressive manipulation and are classified as High-Stress Training (HST).
Supercropping
Supercropping involves excessive stressing a branch by carefully bending and squeezing it to stimulate growth. These stems are woody and tall and tough to bend. With supercropping you soften the branch and then bend the stem. It helps you divert energy from main stem to secondary stems to increase colas. What you do here is pinch the stem between your fingers and bend it bit away from the central area.
Step by Step Supercropping:
This technique is not for beginners. Place a healthy, mid-sized branch during the vegetative stage by avoiding the main stem or thin branches. Firmly pinch the branch, about halfway down its length between your thumb and forefinger. Apply enough pressure to feel some resistance in the stem.
While pinching, gently bend the branch downwards until you feel slight resistance. You should see minor discoloration at the pinch point, but avoid snapping the branch. Secure the bent branch loosely with a soft tie for support and monitor the branch for signs of stress or recovery. Over the next few days, the branch should begin to heal and show signs of thicker growth at the stressed area.
Lollipopping
Lollipopping involves removing lower branches to focus energy on the top colas. It is performed during vegetative stage where you remove leaves and stems from bottom so the light penetration increases. It is when your plant will focus on bud production rather than sizing. The only thing matters here is to remove leaves and stems at right time. If leaves are removed early, plant will focus on growing leaves and if done late, plant energy wastes in flower sites.
Step-by-Step Lollipopping:
For Lollipopping you have to wait until your plant has developed a good amount of branching and some established bud sites, typically during the late vegetative stage or the first few weeks of flowering.
Focus on removing all lower branches and leaves below the desired canopy level. By using a sharp, sterile pruning shears make clean cuts at the base of the branches you want to remove.
Avoid leaving large stubs that could invite pests or diseases. After removing the lower branches and leaves energy diverts towards developing the remaining top colas.
ScrOG (Screen of Green)
This method utilizes a screen above the plants to guide and weave the branches through the openings. ScROG creates a uniform sea of green canopy, maximizing light distribution and potentially boosting yields. The netted screen can be made of chicken wire, rope or nylon netting. It often involves LST techniques in conjunction with the screen. It allows growers to increases the number of buds in plants and support to the heavy buds.
How to Set Up SCROG
Materials Required: A grow tent, cannabis plant, SCROG screen (made of netting, mesh, or chicken wire with appropriate hole size), Light source, soft plant ties and pruning shears.
Setting Up the SCROG:
Position your SCROG screen about 20-40 centimeters above the top of your cannabis plants in their pots. The exact height depends on the size and growth rate of your plants. You can adjust the screen height later as needed. Ensure your grow light is positioned directly above the screen for even light distribution across the entire area.
2. Advanced Growing Techniques
This category focuses on influencing cannabis plants through damage or removal of certain parts. These techniques are considered High-Stress Training (HST) and can significantly increase yields when performed correctly. However, due to the stress placed on the plant, they require more experience as high risk is involved.
Here are some popular HST techniques:
Topping
This involves removing the main growing tip of the plant, forcing it to develop two new main colas from the nodes below. It creates a bushier plant with more bud sites. The main issue is not to over stress the plant.
Steps to do Topping:
When your plant has at least 4-6 nodes its time to attempt topping by identifying the main stem and locate the node just above where you want to make the cut. Use a sharp sterile pruning shears for a clean 45-degree angle cut, just above the chosen node. Provide your plant with a few days to recover from the stress of topping before manipulating it further.
FIMing (Fingering Individuality Manifestation)
FIMing is a variation of topping that involves pinching off a small portion of the new growth at the tip of the plant, rather than making a complete clean cut. It can potentially encourage more main shoots to develop compared to a traditional topping, but it requires good timing and precision.
Step-by-Step FIMing:
FIMing is best done during the vegetative stage when new growth is actively developing by checking the new growth at the apex of the main stem. Now use your thumb and forefinger, gently pinch off the uppermost 60-70% of the new growth, including the tiny immature leaves. Aim for a clean pinch without crushing the stem. The plant may respond by developing several new shoots after sometime.
Manifolding
This advanced technique involves repeated topping and strategically removing shoots to create a plant with multiple main colas. This method can significantly increase bud sites and potentially boost yields, but it requires experience, planning, and precise execution to avoid harming the plant.
How to do Manifolding?
Take a strong and healthy cannabis plant during vegetative stage. Make a clean cut at the top of main stem using sterile scissors. This will helps plant grow two main shoots.
Once the secondary shoots reach a desired height, repeat the topping process. It will create four main colas. Continue this cycle of topping secondary shoots as they grow. Strategically remove any unnecessary growth. The aim is to encourage new and dense bud growth.
Defoliation
Defoliation involves strategically removing leaves, primarily large fan leaves, from the lower and inner areas of your cannabis plant. Done correctly, it can significantly improve light penetration, airflow, and nutrient distribution, potentially leading to healthier plants and increased bud quality and yield. However, over-defoliation can be detrimental, so it’s crucial to understand the proper approach.
How to do Defoliation?
Start defoliation during late veg or early flower. Target large fan leaves from the lower and inner areas that block light to lower bud sites or are large and shading developing buds below.
Prioritize removing damaged or pest-infested leaves. Remove a few leaves and monitor cannabis response. Stop defoliating if you see signs of stress and allow the plant time to recover before considering further leaf removal.
Also Refer To Beginner’s Guide to Growing Cannabis at Home in Canada
3. Manipulating Timelines
This section explores techniques that advantage control over light cycles to influence your cannabis plants’ growth and harvest schedule. By manipulating the photoperiod (light/dark hours)- you can achieve faster flowering times and potentially bigger yields. Here are two popular methods that fit this category:
12-12 from Seed
This method involves placing your cannabis plants under a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark cycle from the moment they sprout as seeds. Cannabis plants naturally flower when exposed to long darkness, so this method bypasses the traditional vegetative stage. It results in smaller, single-cola plants with a faster harvest time, ideal for short grow spaces or impatient growers. However, you may loss some yield potential with this method.
Sea of Green (SOG)
This method combines a specific plant layout with a manipulated light schedule. SOG involves growing many small plants close together, creating a Sea of Green canopy. These plants are typically switched to a 12/12 light cycle after a short vegetative period (2-3 weeks) to promote even growth and bud development. It maximizes yield per square foot due to the high plant density and allows for quicker harvests than traditional methods.
Also Read: Harvesting Cannabis Buds: Tips, Tricks, and Expert Advice
Why it is important to do Plant Training Techniques while Growing Cannabis Indoor or outdoors? How Training Increases Yield?
Plant training techniques are important for cannabis growers, both indoors and outdoors, for several reasons:
- Increased Yields: Training techniques, particularly LST (Low-Stress Training) promote an even canopy. It allows more light to penetrate deeper into the plant, reaching lower branches and encouraging the development of more bud sites (colas).
- Better Light, Denser Buds: Improved light penetration increases the number of bud sites and can lead to denser, more potent buds. With better light exposure, the flowers can develop more trichomes, the tiny glands that produce cannabinoids and terpenes, the compounds responsible for the psychoactive effects and aroma of cannabis.
- Enhanced Airflow: Techniques like defoliation (strategic leaf removal) and opening up the canopy with LST improve air circulation within the plant. It helps prevent moisture buildup and mold or mildew problems, which can devastate your harvest.
- Controlling Plant Height: LST is useful for indoor growers with limited space. By gently bending and manipulating the stems, you can control the overall height and ensure it fits comfortably within your grow area.
- Strong Branches for Heavier Buds: As your plants mature, the weight of the developing buds can stress branches, potentially causing them to break. Training techniques can help strengthen the branches by encouraging them to grow in a more horizontal orientation, better support the weight of heavy flowers.
Also Refer To: Why Proper Lighting is Crucial for Cannabis?
What are the reasons for Choosing Training Methods based on the strain?
Choosing the right training method for cannabis plants does depend on the strain you’re growing because different strains have naturally different growth patterns.
Sativa-dominant strains tend to be taller and leggier, while Indica-dominant strains are typically shorter and bushier. These inherent tendencies influence how well a plant responds to certain training methods.
Also, training methods are suitable for definite strains like:
- LST for Taller Plants: LST (Low-Stress Training) works best with strains that have some flexibility in their stems. Sativa-dominant strains often have this flexibility, allowing them to be gently bent and manipulated to create an even canopy. Indica-dominant plants, with their stockier build, might be more resistant to bending and could be easily damaged by LST.
- HST for Bushier Plants: HST (High-Stress Training) techniques like topping and supercropping involve intentionally stressing the plant. Indica-dominant strains, already bushier with shorter internodal spacing (distance between nodes), might not benefit as much from additional branching encouraged by HST. They may also be more susceptible to stress compared to Sativa-dominant strains.
- Yield vs. Potency: Some growers prioritize maximizing yield, while others desire maximizing bud potency. Training methods can influence this outcome. For example, topping a Sativa-dominant strain can encourage more bud sites, potentially increasing yield. However, it may also slightly decrease the potency of each bud. Indica-dominant strains, known for their dense, potent buds, might not require techniques that significantly increase bud sites.
- Grower Experience: HST techniques require more experience and careful execution to avoid harming the plant. Indica-dominant strains, due to their potentially lower stress tolerance, might be a riskier choice for beginners attempting HST.
Here is a Chart Representing Training Techniques for Different Cannabis Plant Types For Better Understanding:
Also Read: How to Check for the Potency of Cannabis Plants?
What are the Common Issues while implementing these Techniques and how to solve them?
While cannabis plant training offers numerous benefits, growers can encounter these common challenges during implementation. They are:
1. Over-training or Damage: Applying too much stress with High-Stress Training (HST) techniques like topping or supercropping can damage the plant, hindering growth or even killing it.
Solution: Start with gentler techniques like LST (Low-Stress Training) for beginners. Research the specific strain tolerance for HST before attempting methods, like topping or supercropping.
2. Incorrect Timing: Applying training techniques at the wrong growth stage can be detrimental. For example, topping too early on a young plant can stunt its development.
Solution: Understand the appropriate growth stage for each training technique. Refer to specific instructions for each method. Wait until the plant is healthy and established before applying any training methods.
3. Light Penetration Issues: Improper defoliation (leaf removal) can reduce light penetration to lower bud sites, hindering their growth.
Solution: Focus on removing large fan leaves that block light penetration to lower areas. Prune strategically and consider defoliation during the late vegetative stage or early flower for optimal results.
4. Nutrient Imbalances: Training, especially heavy defoliation, can disrupt the nutrient uptake and balance.
Solution: Adjust your nutrient feeding regimen after training to ensure the plant has the necessary nutrients to recover and support new growth.
5. Pests and Diseases: Training can create open wounds, making the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Solution: Use sterile tools when pruning or cutting to minimize the risk of infection. Maintain good air circulation around the plant to prevent moisture buildup that can attract mold and mildew.
Also Refer To Identifying and Treating Common Cannabis Pests and Diseases
Why Train Indoors?
Indoor cannabis cultivation offers a controlled environment with significant advantages over letting plants grow naturally. Growers can create optimal conditions by adjusting temperature, humidity, and light to prevent weather-related issues and shield plants from harsh outdoor elements. Additionally, indoor spaces minimize the risk of pests and diseases that can devastate outdoor crops.
Indoor training techniques like LST, topping, and SCROG allow for manipulating plant structure to create a more even canopy, maximizing light exposure to all bud sites and potentially leading to increased yields.
It provides additional benefits like increased security and privacy, with greater control over who has access to the plants. Depending on local regulations, it can also be a more discreet option than outdoor growing.
Also Read: Cannabis Seeds Growing Indoor Guide
Conclusion
Hope, this article has helped you to know all the marijuana growing techniques. Always research, monitor and don’t be afraid to seek help.
If you have any queries, do mention in the suggestion box below and we will help you with it!
