So my first ever plant is 24 days and growing like a weed. (Small miracle: ruined one by overwatering and another ruined itself by seed shell not releasing) Growing past node 5 now in 3 gal Happy Frog. She's going in the ground in 4 weeks and figure I'll continue the education adventure by trying to clone the remnant of my first topping. Thought I would wait for growth out of 7th node and top just above 4th node. Have questions: 1. For heavy stress like topping does it matter where you are in the water/feeding cycle? 2. If clone takes root would also go in 3 gal cloth pot. How long after would you consider it able to withstand transplanting outside in the ground? And how long after--if at all--for maybe some LST? Assume clones are inherently more fragile but maybe not? Thanks in advance, this forum is a lifesaver!
1. For heavy stress like topping does it matter where you are in the water/feeding cycle? I like if I must fim on the 3rd- 5th lateral but going outdoors I'd leave as is she gonna need all that plant 2. If clone takes root would also go in 3 gal cloth pot. How long after would you consider it able to withstand transplanting outside in the ground? I'd get it outdoors quick as I can so long as you have no Frost!, prep the hole now with light nute sands and compost good luck
When I grow outdoors I like to make a hole around 3' x 3' and fill the bottom foot with hot super soil and the rest with regular potting mix. Agree with @Vee. Get it in the ground but if it's a clone you want to grow them out a little longer indoors to develop the root system. Clone plants don't have tap roots so you want to transplant them a little deeper in the soil.
this method has proven useful over the years for many outdoors types some Aussies like to include an air mattress filled with water on a higher level perhaps ps avoid over filling as in many cases the hard surrounding soil can lock the water in leading to root rot overtime