The practice of removing the main growing tip of an autoflowering cannabis plant to encourage lateral branching is a high-stakes decision for cultivators. Timing is paramount; premature or late intervention can negatively impact yield and overall plant health. Successful implementation hinges on understanding the plant’s growth stages and responding appropriately.
Effective manipulation of plant structure can lead to increased bud sites and, consequently, a larger harvest. However, autoflowering varieties have a limited vegetative period, making the window for such techniques narrow. Historically, topping autoflowers was often discouraged due to concerns about stressing the plant and reducing its potential.
