FIMMING | Cannabis Training Techniques: Part Three (Fuck, I Missed!)

Fimming is a cannabis training technique that can have a similar outcome to topping, however, the two methods should not be confused;

Welcome to the third edition of our cannabis training techniques series!

So far, maximising the potential of your grow operation has been the ultimate goal throughout these posts, and the next of our cannabis training methods: “Fimming” intends to keep us on target!

In this post, we will discuss what fimming is, how it can help you to optimize the use of your available grow space, and how it can serve to improve the overall yield of your cannabis plants.

Before we dive right in, I’d like to remind you about the previous edition of this series covering the basic principles of low-stress training. This is worth it, as Fimming works best when combined with LST.

Anyway, moving on 🙂

Cannabis Plant Training Technique #3: FIM (or ‘Fimming‘)

Before discussing the method, I figured that we should first take an expeditious look at the origins of this name; “Fuck I Missed” (FIM):

Where did it come from, and why would anybody in their right mind want to associate a cannabis training technique with such an ostensibly ominous phrase?

In a nutshell:

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away…
A humble, yet ambitious grower “screwed up” while attempting to top a cannabis plant. “Fuck, I missed!” exclaimed the grower with a passion unparalleled!
– I am sure that you can imagine the scene 😉

The hero of our story had snipped off around 80% of the crown node, cutting solely through the new vegetative growth right at the top of the plant, instead of slicing it right where one normally would – just above the node on the main stem..

Believe it or not, this “screw-up” actually turned out to be a good thing, creating what would soon become its very own method of cannabis plant training. “Fuck I Missed”… Fitting right!

What is Fimming, And Why Do It?

Fimming is a cannabis training technique that can have a similar outcome to topping, however, the two methods should not be confused;

When topping, we remove the entire “crown node” of the cannabis plant, which then prohibits all future growth from the afflicted area. This action forces the plant to focus all development on the two side shoots below, which is where fimming is “similar but different”. When fimming, instead of cutting off the entire node through the main stem, only around 80% of the new vegetative growth is removed.

The outcome of this process is comparable to topping in the context wherein the auxin delivery system of the plant gets interrupted, diverting its focus toward creating new main stems. However, unlike topping, a grower can end up producing four (or more) main stems instead of just two by fimming their plants.

This results in a much shorter, and “bushier” plant, allowing for better development of the lower branches, encouraging lateral growth and helping the lower bud sites develop into larger colas.

Fimming has many potential benefits, to mention a few: the method permits more efficient use of the available growing space, promoting better light-harvesting, delivering more main stems, and producing larger, more potent buds. Fimming is well renowned for increasing yields, especially when combined with other training techniques such as low-stress training (LST) which can offer improved canopy control.

Another great perk is that fimming can be done relatively early during the plant’s growth cycle – Cannabis plants can be fimmed when 3 to 4 nodes have developed (as opposed to 5 to 6 developed nodes when topping).

Once more, the act of fimming also holds the advantage of inducing comparatively low amounts of stress on cannabis plants, unlike topping, which means that the bounce-back time is more rapid. In fact, fimmed plants typically don’t seem to need much recovery time at all!

How To Perform Fimming On A Cannabis Plant

The process of fimming is almost the same as that of topping, except we do not cut through the main stem between nodes. Instead, we apply a clean cut through 75% to 80% of the top of the plant, exclusively chopping through the new vegetative growth – not through the main stem directly below.

Before We Start

A subject to consider before we start is where the plant in its growth cycle. The benefits of fimming cannabis are most notably reaped when the technique has been performed on younger plants, mainly because it makes it easier to arrange/train the horizontal growth at this stage.

There is, of course, a limit as to how young the cannabis plant can be for fimming to produce positive results; A tried and tested formula is to wait until your plant has developed at-least 3 to 4 nodes. I would recommend 4. If there are fewer nodes, then your plant might struggle to “bounce back”, resulting in a stifled growth rates.

On the other hand, if the plant is too far along its growth cycle (more 4 nodes have developed) then it’s not the end of the world, although, you will find it more difficult to train the new main shoots once they emerge. In this particular situation, it might be worth considering topping your plant first (perhaps taking a clone if circumstances permit), and thereafter, fimming the tips of the new main shoots.

Necessary Gear

• 1 x Sharp Pair Of Scissors/Sheers.
• * (Or) A Curved, Sharp, Sterile Blade.

*Some growers like to use a curved razor blade to FIM their plants as it creates the “open cup-shaped cut” that many experts sware by for best results.

Making The Cut

Taking your sharp sheers (or scissors) in your dominant hand, whilst holding the top of the plant with the other, carefully part the fan leaves and cut through the top (crown node) of your plant. Be mindful as to not cut through more than 80% of the crown node, as nipping it any further down will likely result in topping instead of fimming.

That’s it, you have now successfully fimmed a cannabis plant 🙂

Final Remarks

Fimming, although similar to topping, boasts some unique advantages; it tends to produce more main stems and it can be done earlier during the cannabis plants life cycle.

Unlike topping, however, fimming does not offer the opportunity to take a viable clone from your plant.

Fimming is most useful and productive when combined with other cannabis training techniques such as low-stress training, helping to further optimize grow space, increase yields, improve potency levels, and to promote better canopy control!