Are you interested in cultivating cannabis? Well, if you want to succeed at growing cannabis, you have to understand the concepts of “fimming” and “topping.” These cannabis growing terminologies are a part of the much broader category of pruning. Pruning is the act of selectively removing branches from plants, shrubs, and tree, the purpose of which is to improve the structure of the plant and promote new, healthy growth. Contrary to popular belief, pruning is not meant to stunt plant growth but stimulate it instead.

Fimming

This is a pruning method in which up to 75% of new growth (the top buds) is removed from the main stem of the plant. This forces the plant to develop several new flowering sites while promoting the growth of lower stems or branches. Fimming has a dual goal:

• to increase the number of flowering sites
• to train the plant into reshaping itself

Although fimming excels at these, it’ not that great when it comes to producing a shape that’s, more orderly. The plant will grow at its own pace.

When should You Fim Your Cannabis Plants?

The timing for fimming is the same for topping. Wait until your plants have developed between 3 and 5 nodes (the more, the merrier) before fimming. Remember to always do your fimming when your plants are in the vegetative stage – not before or after. Wait up to two weeks before fimming your new growth. This will give your plants the time needed to recover from the shock that results from fimming and adjust to their new growing pattern.

Topping

“Topping” is the process of cutting off the growth tip of the primary cannabis stem or in other words, pruning your plant. Removing the terminal (or top) bud forces the plant to develop two new flowering sites while promoting new lower branch growth. Just like with fimming, topping has a dual goal of increasing the flowering sites, and reshaping the plant. However, no two plants might retain the same shape.

When should You Fim Your Cannabis Plants?

Topping should be done once your plants have developed a minimum of three nodes each. With that minimum of nodes, the plant’s roots and stems will be strong enough to tolerate the pruning process and recover from the shock. It usually takes a plant up to 30 days during the vegetative phase to produce at least 3 to 5 nodes. Just keep in mind that different strains often grow at different rates. So be sure that you’re patient and wait until your plants are ready for the topping process.

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