Control the stretch and trim small branches

After the switch of light, the plant will bloom, but before showing buds, it will start to grow fast, often double or triple in size. It is called the stretch. Sativa dominant usually have a strong stretch (x3 x4 or more) whereas indica dominant have x2 or no stretch at all. If you grow sativa plants, make sure they don’t grow too high !!

During the stretch, plants will ask for a great amount of fertilizer, especially nitrogen (N).

If your plant starts to grow fast and tall, squeeze the stem with your finger just above a node on top of the plant. Press enough to hear the bark break, but also gently to don’t kill the bud. If it’s not enough, repeat the pinch in different points above several nodes.

You can also train your plant to lower them.

During the stretch, most plants will develop small branches or at least  from the base of the trunk. They will not receive enough light and remain weak, so it’s better to remove them. It results in more strength on bud sites on top of the plant, where light is strong. Use sharp scissors to cut them to avoid hurting the trunk.

You should decide to get rid of water sprout during the period of stretching or right after it, when pistils start to appear.

You can make cutting with the healthiest branches you trimed.