Should I top or stick with just LST on autos

[Cannabispinoy]

This is my first time growing autos.

I am currently on 2nd week seedling stage growing Bruce Banner Autoflowers, FYI, the bottom left pot is on its first week. They are all in 3 gallon pots. Medium is happy frog on top layer and bottom layer FFOF. I have been reading different opinions on to top or not to top Autoflowers. If I top when should I do that. If not recommended, should I just to some LST? Would I get a better yield if I top?

[MidwestGuy]

Certainly don;t top until you can top above the 4th real node. The issue is that you don’t know when an auto will flower and you don’t want to stack on stressful training when flowering may start soon.

[OGIncognito]

@Cannabispinoy

I have been reading different opinions on to top or not to top Autoflowers.

That’s the consensus Growmie but I top all my autos. The difference with autos and photo periods is that autos need a great start due to the approximate flower time….generally around 5-6 weeks above ground. Topping creates 2 mains versus a single so yes the yield is greater

[Cannabispinoy]

Thanks for the input. I think I will try to top one out of the 4(maybe 2) just so I know what’s involved and the results from it. I always appreciate the feedback.

[OGIncognito]

I generally top above the 4th or 5th node with LST .

Topped this Gelato above the 4th node leaving about a 1/4” nub (red circle) to help prevent splitting during LST. You want to LST the plant to create a flat canopy for even light distribution across the plants bud sites. The arrows show the 2 new mains

A week later using soft ties on tie the main and sides down

A different plant but this is the end results from topping and LST

[Cannabispinoy]

This is extremely helpful, thanks @OGIncognito

[TMC.PRE]

That looks awesome!

[TLC]

Nice Plants Bro
@Cannabispinoy Topping and LST it’s a good way to go with autos.

[OGIncognito]

Appreciate the compliment Growmie

[OGIncognito]

Grazzy Azz Brother, this was a Super Lemon Haze auto

[OGIncognito]

Any time Grow Bro, tag me if you have any quest🤟

[ChittyChittyBangin]

I just monster-cropped the piss outta 3 of my girls…

[Cannabispinoy]

@OGIncognito/@MidwestGuy - I think the plant in the left has 4 nodes now, should I top this one?

[Fiz]

I did top one this early just for SCIENCE! It worked out fine, but she was a very slow growing auto. I’ve had them flower as young as 19 days.

I do think you can get results just as good with LST alone.

[OGIncognito]

I’m seeing maybe 3 nodes, the tiny cotyledons are not counted. Personally I count node #2 as #1 and top above the 4th or 5th. Growers choice depends on the height of your grow space and how much LST you apply

[OGIncognito]

@Fiz

I do think you can get results just as good with LST alone.

Agree somewhat, the yield is greater with topping

[Cannabispinoy]

Thanks @OGIncognito @Fiz

[Beanpole]

This is an Acapulco gold auto I dwarfed sue to only having two feet height to work with used long bread ties and fishing weights last count 15 nice colas . Hoping 4gram a piece . Train don’t cut

[OGIncognito]

This auto was topped and trained and finished at 12” tall due to height restrictions. Topping or fimming is the way to go

[Cannabispinoy]

Ok so I topped the top left plant above the 4th node, hope it looks ok? Now I noticed the 2 pots on the right side(bottom and top) plants are leaning to the right and see some yellow spots on the bottom leaves as well. Should I correct the leaning and if so how? Anyone know off hand the yellow spots?