πŸͺ Multiverse Beans β€” SOP

Topping & LST Training SOP

Training creates multiple colas instead of one. More bud sites = more yield from the same light. This SOP covers when, how, and what to expect.

βœ‚οΈ Topping

Cut the main stem tip. 1 cola becomes 2.

High stress β€” needs 5-7 day recovery.

Best for: photoperiods with veg time.

HST

🌿 LST

Bend and tie branches down. Exposes lower growth.

Low stress β€” no recovery needed.

Best for: autos AND photos.

LST
Training Protocol0%
1
When to Start Training
Timing is everything
βœ“
Plant has 5-6 nodes (sets of leaves) β€” this is the earliest safe point to top
βœ“
Plant is healthy and growing vigorously β€” never train a stressed or sick plant
βœ“
LST can start earlier (4+ nodes) since it's low stress
βœ“
Autoflowers: LST only unless very vigorous by day 21. Top cautiously if at all.

⚠️ Never top in flower. Topping should only happen during vegetative growth, at least 2 weeks before flip. No exceptions.

2
How to Top
Step-by-step topping guide
βœ“
Sterilize scissors or razor with rubbing alcohol β€” infection = disaster
βœ“
Identify the main stem's top growth tip β€” the newest, smallest set of leaves
βœ“
Cut above the 5th or 6th node β€” clean, straight cut through the stem
βœ“
Leave a small stump (ΒΌ inch) above the node β€” don't cut flush
βœ“
Two new tops will form from the node below the cut within 5-7 days
βœ“
Optional: top again once new branches have 3+ nodes (manifold/mainline technique)

πŸ’‘ Save the top! If it has 2+ nodes, it can be cloned. Free plant from every topping.

3
How to LST
Bend, don't break
βœ“
Gather supplies: soft plant wire, garden ties, or pipe cleaners (never sharp string)
βœ“
Identify the tallest branch/top β€” this is what you're bending down
βœ“
Gently bend the branch to about 90Β° from vertical β€” expose lower growth to light
βœ“
Anchor with tie to pot edge, fabric pot clip, or hook in soil
βœ“
The tip will curve back up toward light within 24-48hrs β€” this is called "knuckling"
βœ“
Continue tying down new growth every 2-3 days to maintain flat canopy
βœ“
Goal: flat, even canopy where all bud sites receive equal light

⚠️ If a branch snaps: tape it immediately with plant tape or electrical tape. Hold it in place. It will heal in 3-5 days with a strong knuckle. Don't remove it unless it's completely severed.

4
Recovery & Aftercare
What to expect after training
βœ“
After topping: growth pauses 3-7 days β€” this is normal recovery
βœ“
After LST: no recovery needed β€” plant continues growing immediately
βœ“
Don't stack stress: don't top + transplant + defoliate on the same day
βœ“
Watch for new bud sites forming along the bent branches β€” that's the whole point
βœ“
Continue LST through veg and into first 1-2 weeks of flower (stretch period)
5
Advanced: Lollipop & Defoliation
Pair with training for max yield
βœ“
Lollipopping: remove all growth on bottom 1/3 of plant β€” directs energy to top colas
βœ“
Best timing: 1-3 days before flip OR at day 21 of flower
βœ“
Defoliate: remove large fan leaves blocking bud sites β€” don't strip more than 20% at once
βœ“
Common defoliation schedule: Day 1 of flower, Day 21 of flower, then selective only

πŸ’‘ When in doubt, defoliate less. Leaves are solar panels. Removing too many slows growth. Only remove leaves that are directly blocking a bud site with no way to tuck them.

Train your genetics to their full potential. Premium seeds from 80+ breeders.

πŸ›’ Shop Best Sellers