HST Techniques for Outdoor Cannabis Growing
Growing cannabis can be a rewarding and challenging experience, especially when it comes to outdoor cultivation. Many growers strive to produce the largest yield possible to maximize their efforts. High-Stress Training (HST) techniques have become increasingly popular among cultivators looking to improve their cannabis yields. Yet, with so many techniques available, it can be overwhelming for beginners to choose the right one. In this article, we will delve into the world of HST and explore the benefits of these techniques for outdoor cannabis growing. We’ll also provide a step-by-step guide on how to perform HST, tools needed for the job, when to perform it, and how to recover your plants after the process. Finally, we’ll share some tips on maximizing your yield with HST.
What is HST?
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For those new to outdoor cannabis growing, the term HST may be unfamiliar. HST stands for High-Stress Training, which is a technique used to manipulate the growth of cannabis plants. This involves intentionally causing stress to the plant in order to encourage it to grow in a specific way. While the term “high-stress” may sound intimidating, the benefits of HST can be significant. In this section, we’ll delve deeper into what exactly HST is and how it can boost your yield.
Why HST is Important for Outdoor Cannabis Growing
HST, or high stress training, is a crucial technique for outdoor cannabis growers who want to maximize their yield. Here are a few reasons why HST is so important:
- Promotes healthier plants: When you perform HST, you’re essentially putting your plants through a controlled amount of stress. This stress encourages your plants to release hormones that stimulate root and foliage growth, making them stronger and more resilient.
- Increases yield: Because HST promotes growth and allows more light to reach lower parts of the plant, it typically leads to a larger overall yield. In fact, some growers report that they’re able to increase their yield by up to 30% by using HST techniques.
- Creates a more manageable plant: By manipulating the growth of your plants through HST, you can encourage them to grow in a way that’s more manageable for you. This can make it easier to maintain your plants, harvest them, and keep them healthy throughout the growing season.
- Allows for more efficient use of space: When you use HST techniques like topping or supercropping, you can encourage your plants to grow in a way that takes up less horizontal space. This means that you can grow more plants in the same amount of space, which is especially important if you’re working with limited outdoor growing space.
- Allows for greater control over plant shape: By performing HST on your plants, you can encourage them to grow in a specific way. This can be especially useful if you’re growing in a location where you need your plants to be a certain height or shape, such as if you’re trying to keep them hidden from view.
HST is an essential technique for outdoor cannabis growers who want to get the most out of their plants. By using HST techniques, you can promote healthier plants, increase your yield, create a more manageable plant, use your space more efficiently, and have greater control over your plant’s shape.
Benefits of HST Techniques
HST techniques can provide numerous benefits to outdoor cannabis growers. These techniques work by manipulating the growth patterns of the plants through various methods of training and pruning. Here are some of the benefits of using HST:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased Yield | One of the primary benefits of using HST on outdoor cannabis plants is that it can significantly increase the yield come harvest time. By training the plant to grow in a specific way, growers can ensure that more buds receive the necessary light and nutrients, leading to larger buds and a higher yield. |
| Better Light Penetration | Another benefit of HST is that it can improve light penetration to the lower parts of the plant. By training the plant to grow shorter and wider, instead of tall and slender, growers can ensure that all parts of the plant receive the necessary light for optimal growth and development. |
| Reduced Risk of Pests and Diseases | Pruning techniques like lollipopping can help reduce the risk of pests and diseases by removing leaves and branches that could potentially harbor pests or pathogens. By keeping the plant clean and healthy, growers can protect their crop and ensure a bountiful harvest come fall. |
| Better Airflow | HST techniques like supercropping and topping can improve airflow to the buds, which can help prevent mold growth and improve overall plant health. When air can move freely through the plant, it helps regulate temperature and humidity levels, preventing the growth of harmful pathogens. |
| More Control Over Plant Shape and Size | Finally, HST techniques can give growers more control over the shape and size of their plants. By training the plant to grow shorter and wider, instead of tall and slender, growers can ensure that the plant fits more easily into their outdoor growing space. Additionally, by pruning the plant in a strategic way, growers can guide growth patterns and ensure that the plant develops in a way that maximizes yield and quality. |
HST techniques can provide numerous benefits to outdoor cannabis growers, from increased yield and better light penetration to improved plant health and more control over plant shape and size. By carefully selecting the right techniques and timing their application correctly, growers can achieve the best results from their outdoor cannabis crop.
How to Perform HST on Your Outdoor Cannabis Plants
Growing cannabis outdoors can be a rewarding experience and may even lead to a higher yield of high-quality buds. However, in order to achieve an abundant harvest, proper training and pruning techniques must be employed. One of the most effective techniques for maximizing yield is high-stress training (HST). HST involves manipulating the plant’s growth to create a more horizontal canopy, which allows for better light distribution and increased bud development. In this section, we will delve into the tools and techniques needed for HST, when to perform it, and how to recover your plants after training. Let’s explore the world of cannabis HST together.
Tools Needed for HST
To properly perform HST on your outdoor cannabis plants, there are a few tools that you will need. Having the right tools will make the process much easier and ensure that you can effectively train and prune your plants. Here are the essential tools needed for HST:
- Pruning Shears: You will need a good pair of pruning shears for cutting and shaping your cannabis plants. Ensure that your pruning shears are sharp and clean.
- Scissors: Scissors are necessary for precision cutting during HST. Ensure the scissors are sharp and small enough to fit into tight spaces near the plant nodes.
- Tape: You will also need tape to secure branches and buds after HST. Ensure that the tape is gentle and won’t damage your plant’s delicate tissues.
- Gloves: Gloves will protect your hands from the sharp edges of the pruning shears and scissors. It is important to use gloves that fit well and give you full dexterity.
- Eye protection: Safety goggles or glasses will protect your eyes from any plant debris or flying particles while pruning and training branches.
Having these tools on hand is essential for successful HST of your outdoor cannabis plants. With the right tools, you will be able to accurately and effectively train and prune your plants for better yields.
Training Techniques: Topping vs Fimming
Topping and Fimming are two of the most popular training techniques for cannabis plants. Both methods involve strategically cutting off the plant’s top growth to promote lower growth and increase yield. Here are the differences between the two methods:
- Topping: This technique involves cutting off the top of the main stem of the plant. The chop should be made just above the node where the new growth is emerging. Topping is typically done during the vegetative stage and only once for each plant. This technique causes the plant to grow two new stems, and as a result, the plant becomes bushier with more buds.
- Fimming: Fimming is similar to topping, but the cut is made slightly above the node rather than below it. The goal of fimming is to encourage the plant to produce multiple colas. Unlike topping, which produces just two new stems, fimming can lead to four or more new stems depending on the plant’s growth. Fimming should be done during the vegetative stage and can be repeated several times, but care should be taken to ensure that the plant has recovered from the previous cut before taking another step.
When choosing between topping or fimming, it is important to consider the outcome you are hoping to achieve. If you want a bushier plant with more buds, topping may be your best bet, but if you desire multiple colas, then fimming is the way to go. Remember that both techniques can be stressful for the plant, so make sure that you have the right tools and skills to perform the cuts correctly. Additionally, be sure to give your plants adequate time to recover after the cut, and monitor for any issues that may arise.
Pruning Techniques: Supercropping vs Lollipopping
Pruning Techniques:
Pruning is the act of selectively removing certain parts of a plant to achieve a specific goal. In outdoor cannabis growing, pruning is commonly used to increase yields by directing the growth of the plant. There are two main pruning techniques that can be used to manipulate the shape and structure of your cannabis plants: Super cropping and lollipopping.
Super cropping:
Super cropping is a pruning technique that involves intentionally damaging the stem of the plant causing it to “heal” into a bent or contorted position. This technique is used to control the direction of growth and to increase the number of potential budding sites. Super cropping can be achieved by gently squeezing or cracking the stem, being careful not to break it completely.
Lollipopping:
Lollipopping is a pruning technique that involves removing the lower branches of the plant, leaving only the upper portion that resembles a lollipop. The purpose of this technique is to remove lower buds that often receive less light and produce lower quality, smaller buds. By removing these buds, energy is redirected to the top of the plant, allowing for larger, higher quality buds to develop.
Which Technique to Choose:
Both super cropping and lollipopping can be effective for increasing yields in outdoor cannabis growing. It ultimately depends on the specific goals of the grower and the strain being grown. Super cropping is ideal for growers who want to increase the number of budding sites and create a more even canopy. Lollipopping is ideal for growers who want the plant to focus its energy on producing larger, higher quality buds.
When to Prune:
Pruning should only be done during the vegetative stage of growth as it can shock the plant and reduce overall yield if done during the flowering stage. It is also important to avoid pruning during times of high stress, such as extreme heat or drought.
How to Prune:
Always use clean, sharp tools to prune your plants to reduce the risk of infection. When super cropping, be gentle and avoid breaking the stem completely. Use your fingers to gently bend the stem in the desired direction. When lollipopping, remove the lower branches using a pair of shears or scissors. It is important to leave some foliage on the plant to aid in photosynthesis and overall growth.
When to Perform HST on Your Cannabis Plants
Performing HST or High Stress Training on your outdoor cannabis plants is an important technique that can boost your yield. However, it’s important to know when to perform HST to ensure the best results.
Below is a table outlining the best time to perform HST depending on the plant’s growth stage:
| Growth Stage | Best Time to Perform HST |
|---|---|
| Vegetative Stage | 2-3 Weeks Before Switching to Flowering Stage |
| Early Flowering Stage | 1-2 Weeks After Switching to Flowering Stage |
| Late Flowering Stage | Avoid Performing HST to Prevent Stressing the Plant |
Performing HST during the vegetative stage is recommended and can improve overall plant structure and yield. It’s best to perform HST about 2-3 weeks before switching to the flowering stage to allow time for recovery and new growth.
During the early flowering stage, HST can still be performed to increase bud production and improve plant structure. It’s recommended to wait 1-2 weeks after switching to the flowering stage to perform HST.
However, it’s important to avoid performing HST during the late flowering stage, as this can stress the plant and potentially harm the buds forming. At this point, it’s best to focus on gentle maintenance techniques such as pruning and feeding.
By following these guidelines and performing HST at the right time, you can improve your outdoor cannabis yield and reap the benefits of this effective training technique.
How to Recover Your Plants After HST
After performing HST techniques on your outdoor cannabis plants, it is essential to take necessary steps for their recovery. Here are some effective ways to ensure your plants recover successfully:
- Watering: Providing adequate water to your plants after performing HST is crucial. This will help the plants recover and reduce stress. It is recommended to water your plants deeply but less frequently to promote healthy root growth.
- Nutrients: HST techniques can lead to the depletion of nutrients in your plants. It is essential to provide them with the necessary nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, avoid feeding your plants immediately after performing HST as this may cause further stress.
- Light: After HST, it is recommended to reduce the intensity of light received by your plants. This will help reduce stress and promote faster recovery.
- Support: Depending on the HST technique used, your plants may need additional support to recover. For example, after topping your plants, they may need stakes to hold them up. Ensure you provide enough support to avoid further damage to the plant.
- Patience: Recovering from HST takes time, and it is essential to be patient. Avoid performing any additional training, pruning, or trimming for at least two weeks after performing HST. This will allow your plants to recover fully and regain their strength and energy.
Following these steps will ensure your plants recover successfully after HST techniques, and you can continue to enjoy healthy, productive outdoor cannabis plants.
Maximizing Yield with HST
With any type of cannabis growing, maximizing yield is often a top priority for cultivators. Utilizing HST techniques for outdoor cannabis growing can be a game-changer when it comes to increasing yield. These techniques involve manipulating the plant’s growth patterns through various methods, ultimately leading to a more bountiful harvest. In this section, we will explore how HST can increase your yield and provide tips for successful implementation.
How HST Increases Yield
HST, or High-Stress Training, is a technique used by outdoor cannabis growers to increase the yield and overall potency of their plants. This method involves subjecting the plants to stress during their growth cycle, thereby inducing them to produce more buds and ultimately more cannabis. Here are some ways in which HST increases yield:
| Technique | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Topping/Fimming | By removing the top of the plant, energy is redirected to the remaining branches, resulting in increased bud production and a bushier plant. |
| Supercropping | Bending the stems at a 90-degree angle can cause the plant to create a knuckle, resulting in a thicker stem and more robust branches that can support larger, denser buds. |
| Lollipopping | Removing lower, less productive branches allows the plant to focus its energy on the top, more productive branches, resulting in larger and denser buds. |
In addition to these direct benefits, HST can also increase yield by making it easier to control the plant’s size and shape. By manipulating the branches and stems, growers can direct the plant’s growth and ensure that light and nutrients are evenly distributed throughout the plant. This can result in a more efficient use of resources and a more consistent yield.
HST is an effective way to increase yield and potency for outdoor cannabis growers. By using a combination of techniques such as topping, supercropping, and lollipopping, growers can help their plants produce larger, denser buds that are more potent and flavorful. However, it’s important to remember that HST can be stressful for the plant, and should be performed with care and attention to ensure the best possible results.
Tips for Successfully Using HST Techniques
To successfully use HST techniques on outdoor cannabis plants, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start early: It’s important to begin HST techniques early on in the vegetative stage of growth. This allows time for the plants to recover and adapt before they begin flowering.
- Be gentle: HST techniques involve stressing the plants, so it’s important to be gentle in your approach. Using too much force or cutting too much at once can do more harm than good.
- Use clean tools: When performing HST techniques, it’s important to use clean and sharp tools to prevent damaging the plant tissue and introducing disease or infection.
- Know the strain: Different strains of cannabis may respond differently to HST techniques, so it’s important to research and understand the specific needs of the strain you’re growing.
- Monitor plants closely: After performing HST techniques, it’s important to closely monitor your plants for any signs of stress or damage. This allows you to address any issues early on and prevent further damage.
- Provide support: HST techniques can make plants more susceptible to breakage, so it’s important to provide support with stakes or ties to prevent any damage to the plant.
- Be patient: It takes time for plants to recover and adapt to HST techniques, so it’s important to be patient and not rush the process. Rushing can cause more harm than good and result in a lower yield.
By following these tips, you can successfully use HST techniques to boost your yield and get the most out of your outdoor cannabis plants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, HST techniques can be extremely beneficial for outdoor cannabis growers looking to increase their yield. By utilizing topping, fimming, supercropping, and lollipopping, growers can train and prune their plants to produce multiple colas and maximize bud growth. These techniques stimulate new growth and promote better light distribution, leading to larger and denser buds.
It is important to note that HST can be stressful for plants and should be performed with care. Growers should only perform these techniques during the vegetative stage and allow ample recovery time before switching to the flowering stage. It is also important to keep in mind the individual needs of each plant and adapt HST techniques accordingly.
While HST techniques can be a bit intimidating for beginner growers, the benefits are well worth the effort. With patience and practice, outdoor cannabis growers can successfully utilize HST techniques to boost their yield and produce high-quality buds. So, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and experiment with different HST methods to find what works best for you and your plants. Happy growing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HST and LST?
HST refers to High Stress Training, and LST refers to Low Stress Training. HST techniques, such as topping and supercropping, involve more drastic changes to the plant and can be more stressful for the plant than LST techniques, such as bending and tying down branches.
Can HST be used on autoflowering strains?
Yes, HST can be used on autoflowering strains. However, because autoflowering strains have a shorter vegetative stage, it is recommended to perform HST techniques earlier in the plant’s life to avoid stunting growth or delaying flowering.
What is the best time of day to perform HST?
The best time of day to perform HST is in the morning or early afternoon, before the hottest part of the day. This allows the plant time to recover and adjust before being exposed to high temperatures or intense sunlight.
What is the difference between topping and fimming?
Topping involves cutting the main stem of the plant above the fifth node, while fimming involves cutting off the top growth of the plant, leaving some of the leaves intact. Topping results in two main colas, while fimming can result in multiple colas.
What is supercropping?
Supercropping involves gently bending and manipulating the branches of the plant to promote lateral growth and increase yield. This technique can also be used to repair damaged or weak branches.
What is lollipopping?
Lollipopping involves removing the lower branches and foliage of the plant to focus energy on the upper canopy and increase yield. This technique is typically used in conjunction with other HST techniques.
Can HST be used on all strains?
While HST can be used on most strains, some strains may respond better to certain techniques than others. It is important to research the specific strain before performing HST techniques.
What is a node?
A node is the point on the stem where leaves, branches, or flowers grow. It is an important part of the plant’s structure and growth pattern.
How soon after HST can the plant be trained again?
It is recommended to wait at least a week or two after performing HST before training the plant again. This allows the plant time to recover and adjust to the previous changes.
What is the main benefit of using HST techniques?
The main benefit of using HST techniques is increased yield. By manipulating the plant’s growth pattern and focusing energy on the upper canopy, growers can maximize the potential of their outdoor cannabis plants.
