When to Train Your Plants

Timing LST, HST, Topping, and Defoliation by Growth Stage 🌱

Plant training isn’t just what you do — it’s when you do it.

The same technique can either:

• Improve structure and yield

• Or slow growth and stress the plant

This guide breaks down when to apply each training method, stage by stage, so growers can make intentional decisions instead of reacting late.

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Why Timing Matters 🌿

Plants respond differently to stress depending on:

• Growth stage

• Overall health

• Environmental stability

Early, gentle guidance often prevents aggressive corrections later. Most training issues come from waiting too long or stacking stress too quickly.

Vegetative Stage 🌱

Where Most Training Should Happen

The vegetative stage is the safest and most forgiving time to train.

Plants recover faster, redirect hormones efficiently, and build structure without compromising future flower development.

This stage pairs well with the concepts outlined in environmental ranges by growth stage, since stable conditions improve recovery from training.

Topping

Topping is most effective when done early and on healthy plants.

A common timing strategy is:

• Topping 3–5 days after transplant, once the plant is established

• Allowing recovery before additional training

Early topping:

• Breaks apical dominance

• Encourages lateral growth

• Creates multiple main tops

Depending on veg length, some growers choose to top again 3–5 days before flipping to flower, allowing the natural stretch during transition to build a wider, bushier structure.

Low Stress Training (LST)

Low stress training can begin very early, sometimes as early as the 4th–5th node, as long as the plant is healthy.

Common LST methods include:

• Gently bending branches

• Using soft ties, thread, or plant wire

• Pulling the top down to match side branch height

Some growers skip topping entirely and rely on LST alone. By keeping top growth level with side branches, the plant naturally redistributes growth hormones and forms a wide, productive canopy.

LST is one of the most effective ways to shape plants while maintaining steady growth.

Transition Stage (Veg → Flower Stretch) 🌿

Where High Stress Training Is Sometimes Needed

The transition phase is when plants stretch most aggressively.

Even well-trained plants can outgrow vertical space during this window.

High Stress Training (HST)

High stress training includes:

• Supercropping

• Bending or breaking branches at sharp angles

HST is best used when:

• Vertical space is limited

• The light cannot be raised further

• The plant is still actively stretching

When applied carefully during transition, HST can:

• Control height

• Strengthen branch structure once healed

• Reduce risk of heat stress near lights

There is strong grower evidence showing that controlled stress can increase secondary metabolite production — specifically terpenes (aroma and flavor compounds) and cannabinoids (active compounds like THC and CBD).

That said, this is a balance.
Too much stress can slow growth or reduce yield, while just enough stress can encourage stronger expression.

Defoliation 🍃

Defoliation is one of the most debated training practices because results depend heavily on timing and moderation.

Removing fan leaves can:

• Improve airflow

• Increase light penetration

• Help manage humidity

In enclosed indoor environments, defoliation can also reduce the risk of issues like powdery mildew by preventing stagnant air pockets.

Common Defoliation Timing

Late Vegetative Stage

• Heavier defoliation is often done before flipping to flower

• Improves airflow and visibility through the canopy

• Helps identify lower growth that won’t receive light

Early Flower (Around Week 3)

• After the stretch slows

• Selective removal of leaves blocking developing bud sites

Late Flower (If Needed)

• Light defoliation only

• Primarily used to help control humidity

Less leaf surface means less transpiration, which can be useful in dense canopies late in flower.

A Practical Training Philosophy 🌱

A balanced approach to training often includes:

• Doing most training in veg

• Using low stress methods first

• Topping early when plants are healthy

• Reserving high stress training for space management

• Defoliating intentionally rather than habitually

Training works best when paired with consistency and stable environmental conditions.

These concepts build on the fundamentals discussed in low stress vs high stress training.

Final Takeaway ✨

🌱 Train early when possible
✂️ Top healthy plants during veg
🪢 Use LST to guide structure
⚠️ Save HST for stretch management
🍃 Defoliate with purpose and timing

Training isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing the right thing at the right time.

Grown with care. Always. 🌿