Topping & Fimming - Techniques to increase yield in cannabis cultivation

When growing cannabis plants, there are numerous techniques to maximize yields and help the plant develop. Two of the most popular methods are topping and fimming . Both techniques aim to manipulate the growth habit of the plants in order to produce more main shoots and therefore larger harvests.

In this blog post, you will learn what topping and fimming are, how they differ, and what benefits they offer for your cannabis cultivation.

What is topping?

Topping is a technique where the main stem of the plant is deliberately cut off to stop vertical growth and force the plant to channel its energy into developing multiple side shoots. By removing the top shoot, two new shoots will grow at the cut point, ultimately resulting in bushier growth and better light penetration.

How is topping done?

1. Wait until the plant has developed at least 4-6 nodes (leaf axils) before you start topping.

2. Carefully cut the main stem just above the fourth or fifth node using sterilized scissors.

3. After cutting, the plant will begin to develop two new shoots from the cut site over the next few days. These will then become new main colas that will take over vertical growth.

Advantages of topping:

• More main shoots: Dividing the main shoot creates two new main shoots, which ultimately results in a denser and bushier plant.

• Improved light distribution: Multiple shoots mean better light distribution throughout the plant, which optimizes flower development.

• Increased yields: With more shoots having access to light, the plant grows more evenly and ultimately produces larger harvests.

What is Fimming?

Fimming (from “FIM” = “Fuck, I Missed”) is a technique that is very similar to topping, but is carried out slightly differently. With fimming, the main shoot is not cut off completely, but only about 70-80%. The goal is to encourage several new shoots (usually 3 to 4) from the cut site, which leads to an even denser plant.

How is Fimming performed?

1. Wait until the plant has developed 4-6 nodes.

2. Using sterilized fingers or scissors, cut off about 70-80% of the main shoot without removing the entire shoot.

3. The plant responds to this partial injury by developing several new shoots at the cut site.

Advantages of fimming:

• More than two shoots: In contrast to topping, where only two new shoots emerge, fimming can produce three or four shoots from one cutting point.

• Less stress for the plant: Since the main shoot is not completely removed, fimming is a gentler method and causes less stress than topping.

• Maximized yields: More shoots mean a higher number of inflorescences and therefore potentially higher yields.

Topping vs. Fimming: Which technique is better?

Choosing between topping and fimming depends on your growing goals and the specific plant variety. Here are some factors to consider:

• Control and precision: Topping is a more precise technique because you remove the main shoot completely and know exactly how the plant will respond (two new shoots). With fimming, you can encourage multiple shoots, but the result is less predictable.

• Stress for the plant: Topping puts more stress on the plant because the main shoot is completely removed. Fimming is a little more gentle because only part of the shoot is removed.

• Number of shoots: Fimming usually produces more shoots than Topping, which can lead to an even bushier growth.

• Recovery time: Since topping puts more stress on the plant, it needs a little more time to recover after cutting. Fimming usually leads to faster regeneration.

Conclusion: Topping and fimming for greater yields

Both topping and fimming are valuable techniques for maximizing the yield of your cannabis plants and improving their structure. Both methods promote a bushier plant with more buds by encouraging the growth of side branches. The choice of technique ultimately depends on your goals and how your plants respond.

If you prefer maximum control and predictability, topping might be a better choice. For growers who prefer a less invasive technique and want to achieve multiple shoots from one cutting point, fimming might be the right technique.

Try both methods and discover which one suits your growing style best!