Adam Parsons
FIM or F*ck I Missed - yes that’s really what this cannabis acronym stands for - is apruningfor yield method. Similar totopping, this technique involves removing a portion of the main stem. As the legend goes, the whole method was invented by accident when a grower botched a topping job.
The objective is to promote multiple main colas and make plants bushier. Fimming might not be the neatest pruning for yield method, but it is proven to be effective. By the end of this grow guide, you will be able to experiment with the FIM method yourself. We recommend topping and fimming at least a couple of plants in the grow op.
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WHEN TO FIM
As is the case with virtually all pruning and training for high yield methods, it’s best to FIM during vegetative growth. Whenever you clip parts away from your cannabis plants, they will be stressed and will need some time to recover from the pruning. This is the primary reason to prune prior to the onset of flowering.
In the US it’s common for growers to pinch off the tops from infant cannabis plants barely out of the seedling phase. Although this ensures plants will grow like bushes, it needs to be followed by LST and/or a ScrOG. If you have got the hands-on experience in all the above techniques, go for it. But for the novice grower or growers without the time for a lengthy vegetative cycle, this is not ideal.
European cannabis growers prefer to wait until plants are around 30cm tall before applying pruning for yield methods. Allowing plants 3-4 weeks of vegetative growth to get to a decent size and develop means they will recover faster. Fimming can be applied anytime in the vegetative phase. No need to rush. Being patient in the early plant lifecycle can save you time later.
HOW TO FIM
To apply the FIM method couldn’t be easier. You have a choice between pinching and snipping. It all comes down to what is the most comfortable style for the grower. If you prefer to prune with scissors, then stick with your sterile clippers.
It’s best to keep in mind that Fimming originated from an instance of inaccurate plant topping. Fimming is the process of removing approximately 75% of the tip from the main shoot. Pinching off the area between the fingertips allows more room for error and often results in a more successful FIM.
Just make sure to FIM during vegetative growth. Precisely when to FIM is at the grower's discretion. Take note plants will need about 1 week to recover and for the new growth to develop. Expect an ugly sight in the aftermath. A set of torn leaves if you pinch and a Medusa head of colas are typical.
Topping a cannabis plant neatly with scissors by completely removing the tip from the main shoot gives rise to two new main colas. Fimming usually gives rise to 4 new main colas. These numbers can vary slightly depending on strain and how much of the main stem was removed. Furthermore, the FIM will also encourage the plant to bush out and fill lateral grow space too.
BENEFITS OF FIMMING
Fimming can be even more effective than topping for increasing the yield of cannabis plants. Obviously, 4 main shoots are more than 2. Furthermore, fimming seems to effect the auxin distribution in marijuana even more profoundly than topping. Plants that have been fimmed not only develop a greater number of tops but also branch more abundantly.
Fimming is a very flexible pruning for yield method and can be blended into a mix of other training and pruning techniques for maximum yield. A FIM crop of a handful of cannabis plants combined with a ScrOG can be just as productive as a SOG with 2-3 times the number of plants.
An early applied FIM, as is preferred by US growers, is tremendously effective at transforming plants of any strain into squat branchy bushes. Plus the FIM method can be applied multiple times until the grower is satisfied with the density of the weed bush.
The greatest benefit of the FIM method is that it's forgiving. Accuracy is not the primary objective. A sloppy Topping can often turn out to be a fantastic multi-cola FIM.
DISADVANTAGES OF FIMMING
Fimming is a technique that does not lend itself to Autoflowering cannabis varieties. The stress of pruning the main stem and the associated recovery time will stunt the growth of Autos. On average growers using the FIM method will keep plants in vegetative growth for 4-6 weeks. That’s just too long for an Auto grower to wait.
Later in the bloom phase in the absence of a ScrOG, it can be difficult to keep the grow space orderly. If you decide to FIM as a standalone high yield method, it’s probably best to stake plants for support. All those heavy colas can make marijuana bushes top heavy with bud, but this is a good kind of problem.
Greetings, fellow cannabis enthusiasts! I'm here to share my extensive knowledge and expertise on cannabis cultivation, particularly focusing on advanced pruning techniques for maximizing yield. My passion for this subject is deeply rooted in years of hands-on experience, coupled with a thorough understanding of the scientific principles behind plant physiology and growth.
Now, let's delve into the intriguing world of FIM or "F*ck I Missed," a pruning method with a unique origin story. This technique, similar to topping, involves strategically removing a portion of the main stem to promote the development of multiple main colas and create bushier plants. The accidental discovery of FIMming by a grower who botched a topping job only adds to its mystique.
Key Concepts:
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FIMming Objective: The primary goal of FIMming is to enhance yield by encouraging the growth of multiple main colas and promoting a bushier plant structure.
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Timing Matters: FIMming, like other high-yield pruning methods, is best performed during the vegetative growth phase. Pruning during this stage allows plants to recover before the onset of flowering, minimizing stress.
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Cultural Differences: In the U.S., some growers prefer to pinch off the tops of young cannabis plants for a bushy growth pattern, while European growers typically wait until plants are around 30cm tall before applying pruning for yield methods.
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FIMming Technique: FIMming is a straightforward process that involves removing approximately 75% of the tip from the main shoot. Growers can choose between pinching and snipping, with the latter often resulting in a more successful FIM.
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Recovery Time: Plants subjected to FIMming require about 1 week to recover, and new growth begins to develop during this period. Expect an initial visual impact, such as torn leaves and the emergence of a Medusa-like head of colas.
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Yield Benefits: FIMming can be more effective than topping for increasing cannabis plant yield. It typically results in the development of four new main colas, promoting increased branching and auxin distribution.
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Flexibility: FIMming is a flexible pruning method that can be combined with other training techniques like ScrOG for maximum yield. A FIM crop, when paired with ScrOG, can rival the productivity of a Sea of Green (SOG) with more plants.
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Forgiving Nature: One of the greatest advantages of FIMming is its forgiving nature. Precision is not the primary objective, and even a sloppy FIM can lead to fantastic multi-cola outcomes.
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Limitations: FIMming may not be suitable for Autoflowering cannabis varieties due to the stress and recovery time involved, which could stunt their growth. Additionally, managing the grow space later in the bloom phase without a ScrOG can be challenging.
In conclusion, FIMming is a powerful and flexible pruning technique that, when mastered, can significantly boost cannabis yields. Whether you're a seasoned grower or a novice, incorporating FIMming into your cultivation arsenal can bring about impressive results. Happy growing!
