Staff Writer “Super Cropping” is a high-stress training (HST) technique wherein cannabis plant(s) have targeted injury sites systematically created in a way that benefits the overall outcome of the grow operation.
Thanks for joining in on part four of this series: “Cannabis Training Techniques”. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our last edition which covered the basics of fimming cannabis.
Up to this point, we have been focusing on grow-operation optimization, increasing yields and improving potency levels. Now, with no intention of deviating from our course, we’re moving onto the next cannabis training method; super cropping 🙂
This is an exciting post; I love super cropping plants and I can’t wait to write about it! I find this to be one of the best training methods to use when you want to push your plants to the limit, squeezing every bit of goodness out of ’em!
Cannabis Plant Training Technique #4: Super Cropping
A “common factor” that stands out in each of the previously discussed techniques is that we always aimed to inflict as little stress as possible on the plant(s) being trained. This is something that seemed intuitive, if not obvious, I mean, it’s never a “good idea” to intentionally cause harm or stress to a cannabis plant, right? Well, yes… and.. no!
In this post, we aim to take the opposite direction concerning stress levels, but, don’t panic; managing grow-space, increasing yields and improving potency are still our main goals – We are merely changing our approach somewhat. 😉
What is Super Cropping, And Why Do It?
As much as our instincts drive us to avoid “overstressing” our plants, some growers have found that “pushing the envelope” (in the right way) can influence cannabis grow-ops to yield more, with higher overall potency levels being reported as well. This heightened stress is usually caused by what is referred to as “Super Cropping cannabis“.
Super Cropping is a high-stress training (HST) technique whereby cannabis plant(s) have targeted injury sites systematically created by the grower in a way that benefits the overall outcome of the grow-operation.
The abovementioned injury sites are created by breaking the cell walls within the stems or branches of the cannabis plant, this is achieved by bending, twisting, or pinching said stems until the desired result has been achieved. This damage causes specialized growth hormones such as auxins to rush to the distressed area which results in the promotion of a more vigorous, “bushy” plant, instead of the traditional lanky “Christmas Tree” look that occurs naturally.
After healing, the areas where the injury sites were located would become covered by what would appear to be a thick hardwood “knuckle” like growth. This growth formation helps to add stability to the plant(s) where injured, as-well-as allowing the plant to support larger buds, furthermore, it enables growers to “train” said plant(s). Rearranging the structure of a cannabis plant ultimately facilitates better control over the height, shape and canopy.
Wider, shorter plants have their obvious benefits, however, one that cannot be mentioned enough (so I will mention it again) is better canopy control. The more control you have over your plant’s canopy, the more efficient the photon harvesting will be – allowing you to squeeze every bit out of your light-source.
A Fair Warning: If you are not an experienced grower then the road ahead is likely going to be more ‘brutal’ than you are used to; especially if you have not heard much about super cropping before reading this post, however, you should not fret, rather maintain confidence – keep in mind that all of us have to begin somewhere!
How To Perform Super Cropping On A Cannabis Plant
There are three commonly practised ways to go about super cropping which I will run through in a sec, but, first I would like to clarify the principal intent behind all the super cropping methods; Essentially, what we want to do is break the inner cell walls of a branch (or multiple branches). When the cell wall collapses, you should be able to feel a pressure change within the branch and in many cases, you can actually hear the cell walls “POP”.
Secondly, it is worth noting that super cropping should not be performed on seedlings or juvenile plants. This high-stress training technique reaps the best results when performed on mature cannabis plants. If you would like to train a younger plant, then fimming or topping combined with low-stress training (LST) would be your best move.
Now, with the above kept in mind, let’s move onto the first method…
Super Cropping Method #1: Popping
“Popping” is probably one of the easier super cropping methods, however, this one can usually only be performed on softwood plants or plants that are “less mature”.
To start, simply take a branch between your index finger and your thumb, locating your grip between internodes at the point that you would like to super crop. Next, give it a good squeeze until you feel a pressure change in the branch and/or until you hear the iconic popping sound of the inner cell wall collapsing.
Repeat the “squeezing” process between each internode that you would like to super crop.
Super Cropping Method #2: Bending
Bending is somewhat more complicated than popping, albeit not by much. Overall, this is my favourite super cropping method, given that it is applicable to use on most of the cannabis strains without having to worry too much about the whole hardwood/softwood paradigm.
Starting the same way as we would have with popping; simply take a stem between your index finger and your thumb.
Then, while applying significant pressure to the grip-point, start to bend the branch back and forth, keep at it until you feel a pressure change in the stem and/or until you hear the iconic popping sound of the inner cell wall collapsing.
Repeat the “Bending” process between each internode that you would like to super crop.
Super Cropping Method #3: Twisting
Twisting is a method that is usually reserved for more mature or hardwood plants, however, I don’t see many reasons why one could not use this approach on “softer” plants too.
Start by securing a firm grasp between internodes, using your index finger and thumb to do so. Take care to ensure that you establish your grip at a position where you would like your plant to be super cropped.
Next, begin “Twisting” the branch clockwise, then twist again counter-clockwise, applying firm pressure to the branch throughout the process. Repeat the process of twisting the branch in either direction until you successfully break the inner cell wall(s).
NOTE: Maintaining firm pressure on the grip point is crucial to remember while twisting as this is meant to help localize the breakage in the branch. Basically, we want to avoid twisting the entire branch, instead, we want to twist (and break) the branch in a specific place.
You will be able to tell that the cell walls have broken by hearing the telling “POP” of the cell walls collapsing and/or by feeling a pressure change in the location of the branch being super cropped.
Repeat the “twisting” process between each internode that you would like to super crop.
Final Remarks
If you have ever observed a spherical, knuckle-like growth forming over a bent branch on a cannabis plant, then chances are that it was “super cropped“.
super cropping is a great way to improve a cannabis plant’s response to stress and to noticeably improve the overall yield. If leveraged correctly, the high-stress that gets inflicted on the plant will help push it to the limit regarding resin production and potency.
Although this particular technique is more complicated and seemingly “more brutal” on the plant itself, super cropping is undoubtedly beneficial. Once you have super cropped a few branches, this practice will become “second nature” and you won’t worry about it as much.
Be sure to come back and catch the next post in this series, covering the screen of green or ScrOG training technique. Until then, peace… 🙂
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