A little off the top

[MidnightToker420]

Hey guy's,
Thanks for all the input and advice, I've been away for a little bit dealing with some family issues but I'm back with an update. I'm now at 64 days and she has preformed better than imagined. I did a solid cleaning on the tent as I had gotten a little slack and added kelp to her diet. Now for the next question, as mentioned this grow was more of an experiment as I never topped an auto and now in flower I'm debating doing some light defoliation. Normally another no go but I'm not sure, what do you guys think?

 

[MidnightToker420]

@MidnightToker420 Welcome to AFNBeen there and done that years ago. Topping after 21 days is not a good idea and topping or fiming an auto more than once also is not a good idea. Yes, it has to do with the short veg time and having enough time to recover. I learned from @Autobeast many years ago on another forum that autos are best topped once above the fourth node ASAP. That is what I do and I am averaging 6+ oz a plant now.

You do not need to re-pot the plant but it would be a good idea to get an air gap under the pot. The problem with a soggy bottom is anaerobic microbes thrive where there is no air and this can lead to root rot, Fungus Gnats and other issues.

I think your plant may be stunted with all of the stress but these plants are incredibly hardy so she may fool us.



Thanks for all the info, I've been growing for a little over a year now but this was my first time topping an auto. I think she's bounced back pretty well but now I'm thinking about a little defoliation. What are your thoughts if you don't mind me asking? She's currently at day 64. Thanks again for all the input and help!

 

[Rasterman]

I wouldnt dare top an auto, but curious about your results. watch out for PM!

I felt that way too, but after hearing advice on this site I tried it with great results! Previously in this thread someone said that the fast-flowering autos shouldn't be topped and that makes sense too. I've so far topped 50 Shades of Grape and Double Grape (both Mephisto) and they did really well.

 

[Mañ'O'Green]

I felt that way too, but after hearing advice on this site I tried it with great results! Previously in this thread someone said that the fast-flowering autos shouldn't be topped and that makes sense too. I've so far topped 50 Shades of Grape and Double Grape (both Mephisto) and they did really well.

I top them all!

 

[2budz]

@MidnightToker420 Welcome to AFNBeen there and done that years ago. Topping after 21 days is not a good idea and topping or fiming an auto more than once also is not a good idea. Yes, it has to do with the short veg time and having enough time to recover. I learned from @Autobeast many years ago on another forum that autos are best topped once above the fourth node ASAP. That is what I do and I am averaging 6+ oz a plant now.

You do not need to re-pot the plant but it would be a good idea to get an air gap under the pot. The problem with a soggy bottom is anaerobic microbes thrive where there is no air and this can lead to root rot, Fungus Gnats and other issues.

I think your plant may be stunted with all of the stress but these plants are incredibly hardy so she may fool us.

Sorry to bring an old post up but I’m curious, are you only topping those plants that give you 6+ oz or are you training the heck out of them?

 

[Mañ'O'Green]

Sorry to bring an old post up but I’m curious, are you only topping those plants that give you 6+ oz or are you training the heck out of them?

Nope, IMPO training autos other than topping above the fourth node is a waste of time.

 

[2budz]

Nope, IMPO training autos other than topping above the fourth node is a waste of time.

I’ve tried topping at the 4th. It didn’t work so hot for me. Plants ended up very small. Topping at the 5th or 6th and once they’re throwing pistils has worked better for me. But I also grow in 1 liter and 1 gallon pots so that might be part of it.

 

[Mañ'O'Green]

Recent results:

 

[MidnightToker420]

View attachment 1415151

Recent results:

View attachment 1415150

Holy Shit, that's an auto? And is that a 3 gal pot?

 

[420autoflower]

Holy Shit, that's an auto? And is that a 3 gal pot?

Looks like a 6x6 Grodan block.