How to Train Your Cannabis Plants for Bigger Yields

Introduction

If you want larger yields, denser buds, and healthier plants, cannabis plant training is essential. Training techniques help maximize light exposure, encourage lateral growth, and improve airflow, leading to higher potency and better harvests.

In this guide, you’ll learn the best cannabis training methods, when to apply them, and how to optimize your yield using simple, effective techniques.

📌 Table of Contents

1. Why Training Your Cannabis Plants Increases Yield
2. Best Training Techniques for Cannabis
3. Low-Stress Training (LST) vs. High-Stress Training (HST)
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Training Your Plants
5. Best Cannabis Strains for Training
6. FAQs
7. Conclusion

1️⃣ Why Training Your Cannabis Plants Increases Yield

✔ More Light Exposure – Helps lower branches grow stronger buds.
✔ Better Airflow – Reduces mold and pests, improving overall plant health.
✔ Encourages More Bud Sites – Trained plants develop more colas, resulting in bigger yields.
✔ Stronger Structure – Supports heavier buds without breaking branches.

💡 Pro Tip: Without training, cannabis plants tend to grow vertically, producing one main cola and reducing overall yield. Training spreads growth, maximizing harvests.

2️⃣ Best Training Techniques for Cannabis

💡 Pro Tip: Start with LST and Topping if you’re a beginner. More advanced growers can try ScrOG and Supercropping for maximum production.

3️⃣ Low-Stress Training (LST) vs. High-Stress Training (HST)

✅ Low-Stress Training (LST)

✔ Gently bends stems without damaging the plant.
✔ Keeps plants short and wide, maximizing light exposure.
✔ No recovery time needed – plants keep growing.

✅ High-Stress Training (HST)

✔ Involves cutting, bending, or stressing the plant.
✔ Forces plant energy into side branches, boosting yield.
✔ Requires recovery time, but results in stronger plants.

💡 Pro Tip: Start with LST for feminized and autoflowering strains, then experiment with HST for photoperiod strains.

4️⃣ Step-by-Step Guide to Training Your Plants

🌿 Method 1: Low-Stress Training (LST)

1️⃣ Start in the vegetative stage when plants are flexible.
2️⃣ Gently bend main stem sideways and secure it with soft ties.
3️⃣ Continue adjusting branches every few days to spread growth.
4️⃣ Ensure even light distribution across all bud sites.

➡ Best for: Autoflowers and feminized photoperiod strains.

🌱 Method 2: Topping (Cutting the Main Stem)

1️⃣ Wait until your plant has 4-6 nodes (about 3 weeks of growth).
2️⃣ Cut the top of the main stem, encouraging two new colas to form.
3️⃣ Allow plants to recover for 3-5 days before further training.

➡ Best for: Photoperiod strains with longer grow cycles.

🌿 Method 3: FIMing (Similar to Topping but Less Stressful)

1️⃣ Instead of fully cutting the main stem, pinch off about 75% of the top growth.
2️⃣ This encourages the plant to create multiple colas instead of just two.
3️⃣ Less stress than topping, but slightly less predictable results.

➡ Best for: Growers who want more bud sites but minimal recovery time.

💥 Method 4: Supercropping (Advanced Stress Technique)

1️⃣ Gently squeeze and bend strong branches until they soften.
2️⃣ The plant heals stronger, redistributing energy into side branches.
3️⃣ Encourages explosive growth and resin production.

➡ Best for: Experienced growers looking to push yields to the limit.

🌿 Method 5: ScrOG (Screen of Green)

1️⃣ Place a horizontal net (trellis) about 20-25 cm above your plants.
2️⃣ Weave branches through the net, keeping them spread out evenly.
3️⃣ Maximizes light efficiency, producing dense, uniform buds.

➡ Best for: Maximizing space in indoor grows.

5️⃣ Best Cannabis Strains for Training

🌿 Top Strains from 1522 Genetics That Respond Well to Training

✅ Permanent Baked – Adapts well to LST and ScrOG.
✅ Tropical Candy Runtz – Strong branches, perfect for supercropping.
✅ Truffle Cream – Produces huge colas with topping & LST.

🔥 Want more? Explore our Best Cannabis Strains for Training

6️⃣ FAQs

When Should I Start Training My Cannabis Plants?

• LST: Start when plants have 3-4 nodes.
• Topping/FIMing: Wait until plants have 4-6 nodes.
• ScrOG: Start weaving branches once they reach the trellis.

Can I Train Autoflowers?

Yes! Use only Low-Stress Training (LST) since autoflowers have a short growth period and don’t have time to recover from HST.

Will Training My Plants Increase THC Levels?

Indirectly, yes! More light exposure and better airflow lead to stronger resin production, boosting THC.

7️⃣ Conclusion

Training cannabis plants is one of the best ways to increase yield and bud quality. Whether you use LST, topping, supercropping, or ScrOG, proper training will maximize light efficiency and improve your harvest.

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