gorillamotorss
Active Member
What exactly is pinching and how is it accomplished? From what I can see from youtube is that it is the same as topping but you use your fingers to cut the top. Correct?
I just learned a new word today: Pinching
- Thread starter gorillamotorss
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Pinching is simply squeezing a branch until you crush the inside without bending or tearing the outer lining. It will slow down the growth allowing other lower branches to catch up to it. Eventually it will form a knuckle or knot which allows more water and energy to flow out to the growth tip.
r0am1ng st0ner
Well-Known Member
Edit: I thought you were correct but maybe not, it sounded like a term for taking the top right off not like a supercrop
If you cut it off or pinch it off with your fingers it’s still topping.
Awesome explanation! And handy for small space grows from the sounds of it. I'll have to give it a try next batch to help control the stretch. Thank you!
I’m using it mainly on a couple of Hazes. The stretch is 3x-4x and will catch off guard and run away from you.
I was similarly puzzled by this expression and have previously asked about it also. But I agree with Rexer, awesome explanation! And useful too as I need to do supercropping for stealth reasons, but I will also look to employ 'pinching' in an attempt to rein in canopy growth especially during stretching.
It slows them down for a couple of days which can be a lot during stretch.
Enr0n
Well-Known Member
@Pennywise I know you did an excellent job in describing the technique but if you don't mind I will throw my 2c in as well.
Having grown bonsai the pinching technique is effective for both slowing down vertical growth and creating more branches on the stem. Pinching is best done with new growth and is simple to do. Select the branch/stem to be pinched. Clean hands and fingernails carefully. Using the cleaned fingers simply grasp the top of the plant in the desired location and pinch off the new leaves. Try and get as close as possible to the lower node.
If you pinch and feel resistance from the stem it is probably too large to pinch. You do not want to tear the stem causing a ragged cut.
I have used it with success this year on my bag seed outdoor plant.
Having grown bonsai the pinching technique is effective for both slowing down vertical growth and creating more branches on the stem. Pinching is best done with new growth and is simple to do. Select the branch/stem to be pinched. Clean hands and fingernails carefully. Using the cleaned fingers simply grasp the top of the plant in the desired location and pinch off the new leaves. Try and get as close as possible to the lower node.
If you pinch and feel resistance from the stem it is probably too large to pinch. You do not want to tear the stem causing a ragged cut.
I have used it with success this year on my bag seed outdoor plant.
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- #11
gorillamotorss
Active Member
So, in other words, pinching and topping mean the same but pinching uses your fingernails while topping uses a pair of scissors. If that is so then how can pinching provide 4 new branches while topping only produce 2 branches? I have read that pinching can provide 4 branches.
Enr0n
Well-Known Member
Pinching might or might not create 4 new branches. When I pinched my outdoor plant to top it she did not create 4 new branches it only created a fork of 2 stems. Pinching is mainly used to slow down the growth of the stronger branches allowing the weaker branches to grow due to the energy required to produce the new branch. Think of it as a way to even out the plant growth.
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- #13
gorillamotorss
Active Member
I guess I will still use my alcohol cleaned scissors to TOP them.
Fimming is used to produce 4 or more branches.
DakiniKush
Well-Known Member
Yes. It's just another term for topping. Depending where you live. Some say topping others say pinching but it's the same exact thing
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- #16
gorillamotorss
Active Member
ThanksFimming is used to produce 4 or more branches.
