Topping

[NZGirl]

Hi Folx,
I couldn't see a heading on topping so wondered if someone could explain why / how /when you'd choose to do it?
I planted (out of season) a crop which has grown well but we had a heavy hail storm a couple of weeks ago and i notice that although my virginia are only about 2 feet tall that flower buds are now forming - just wondering what I should do? I'll let one go to seed but that's all the seed I'll need for my patch

 

[Michibacy]

I top 2 weeks after I first notice flower pods forming. Topping stops flowers from forming ( thus preventing the production of seed) and then focuses more energy on A. Suckers B.Growing Larger leaves C.Repairing the broken stalk. I go by each plant snapping the "top" off or take a pair of sheers.

Here is our commercial grower's video on topping (BigBonner)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKyJc9ywMFM&feature=plcp

 

[NZGirl]

I top 2 weeks after I first notice flower pods forming. Topping stops flowers from forming, thus producing seed and then focuses more energy on A. Suckers B.Growing Larger leaves C.Repairing the broken stalk. I go by each plant snapping the "top" off or take a pair of sheers.

Here is our commercial grower's video on topping (BigBonner)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKyJc9ywMFM&feature=plcp

Thanx Michi - how much do you snap off?

 

[NZGirl]

I top 2 weeks after I first notice flower pods forming. Topping stops flowers from forming ( thus preventing the production of seed) and then focuses more energy on A. Suckers B.Growing Larger leaves C.Repairing the broken stalk. I go by each plant snapping the "top" off or take a pair of sheers.

Here is our commercial grower's video on topping (BigBonner)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKyJc9ywMFM&feature=plcp

woops sorry - just saw the link - great vid thank you!

 

[Michibacy]

I snap off what ever looks like it could be the beginning of the flower's stem...if that makes any sense at all

 

[NZGirl]

I snap off what ever looks like it could be the beginning of the flower's stem...if that makes any sense at all

yup - pefect sense.
Thanx Michi

 

[johnlee1933]

I'll let one go to seed but that's all the seed I'll need for my patch

If you want the seed to run true to strain be sure to bag the blossom. Lots of posts on bagging. I made several bags two years ago using an old sheer curtain. So if you're handy sewing you can run a couple off on the machine in no time at all. They want to be about 18" X 24" and have a drawstring at the end so you can close it up snug to the stalk. Good luck. Oh yeah, when the seed pods start to turn brown you can cut the entire top off and hang the bag, blossom and all in a dry place over the winter. After several months when it's thoroughly dry "crunch" up what's in the bag and you'll have a gazillion little tiny seeds for next season. I strain it to separate the seed from the the chaff. I store my seed in an air tight jelly jar with a little desiccant.

 

[NZGirl]

If you want the seed to run true to strain be sure to bag the blossom. Lots of posts on bagging. I made several bags two years ago using an old sheer curtain. So if you're handy sewing you can run a couple off on the machine in no time at all. They want to be about 18" X 24" and have a drawstring at the end so you can close it up snug to the stalk. Good luck. Oh yeah, when the seed pods start to turn brown you can cut the entire top off and hang the bag, blossom and all in a dry place over the winter. After several months when it's thoroughly dry "crunch" up what's in the bag and you'll have a gazillion little time seeds for next season. I strain it to separate the seed from the the chaff.

Thanx Johnlee - will do.
Am watching baccy vids on yourtube and I'm positively salivating lol!!! Just the thought of all that beautifully cured tobacco - so much that you can step on it and not worry....ahh well - I'll be much better prepared for the proper growing season that's for sure

 

[NRustica]

I usually do it once one of the buds open. I snap off about 4 or 5 leaves down.