Autos on the Clock: The Truth About Training vs. Topping
Autoflower cannabis plants are like sprinters — fast out of the gate, racing to the finish line, and not exactly forgiving if you trip them up mid-race. Unlike their photoperiod cousins, autos don’t wait for you to decide when they flower. Once the countdown begins, the clock is ticking. That’s where the big debate comes in: Should you top an autoflower, or is low-stress training (LST) the real winner? Let’s break it down (with a little humor, because plants deserve personality too). Why Time Isn’t on Your Side with Autos Photoperiod plants are marathoners — you can top them, let them recover, and they’ll happily bulk up before you flip the lights. Autos? Nope. They’re on a fixed schedule, usually 8–12 weeks, and every recovery day after topping is a day they could’ve been stacking buds. Think of it this way: topping an auto is like sending a runner into a sprint… then asking them to stop and tie their shoes halfway through. Sure, they’ll finish, but probably not with a personal best. ...
