What is HST and how does it differ from LST?

Key concepts: HST and LST

In the world of cannabis cultivation, there are many methods that help control plant growth and increase yield. HST (High Stress Training) and LST (Low Stress Training) are two key approaches, each with its own characteristics.

HST involves intense physical stress on the plant, which stimulates active branching and accelerates flowering. Popular HST methods include topping, fimming, super-cropping, mainlining, and lollipopping. These techniques allow you to shape the bushes so that each branch receives enough light, which increases the yield and allows for more efficient use of space.

LST, on the other hand, refers to gentle training methods. The essence is to gently bend and fix the branches without damaging the plant. This allows you to distribute light evenly, improve ventilation, and control the growth of the bush. LST is great for autoflowering strains, photoperiod strains, and hybrid plants, especially if the goal is to optimize yield without unnecessary stress.

It is also worth mentioning the Sea of Green method. Many growers use it in combination with LST to place plants as compactly as possible in cannabis pots, create a dense “sea” of green surface, and accelerate bud formation. The Sea of Green method is a strategy where several small plants are grown close to each other, and their growth is controlled by gentle training to ensure uniform lighting of all tops.

Advantages and methods

HST and LST methods yield different results, so it is important to understand how to apply them to optimize yield and manage growth..

HST:

High Stress Training methods actively stimulate the plant through physical impact. Among the main techniques are:

• Super-cropping — gently pinching the stem to encourage lateral branching.
• Topping — removing the top of the plant to encourage additional flowering points.
• Fimming is an alternative pruning technique that accelerates the emergence of new branches.
• Mainlining is the creation of a symmetrical bush structure for even energy distribution.
• Lollipopping is the removal of lower branches and leaves to concentrate nutrients on the upper buds.

Advantages of HST: noticeable increase in yield, improved plant ventilation, and stimulation of flowering, especially in photoperiod and autoflowering varieties.

LST:

Low Stress Training methods are gentler and suitable even for beginners. The main techniques include:

1. Careful bending and securing of branches using wire or soft ties.
2. Use of the SCROG technique. What is ScrOG? It is a mesh that evenly distributes light throughout the plant's canopy, allowing each top to receive maximum light and nutrients.
3. Defoliation is the selective removal of leaves to improve ventilation and control crown density.

Advantages of LST: gentle growth control, uniform lighting, yield optimization without unnecessary stress, suitable for sativa, indica, and hybrid strains. In addition, LST works well with Sea of Green and SCROG methods, making it a versatile tool for home cultivation.

How to control aroma and taste through fertilizers: LST and HST can be used to influence the organoleptic qualities of cannabis. By adjusting the feeding, lighting, and ventilation of the plants, the grower obtains buds with a more intense taste and aroma.

HST vs LST: Which One to Choose

To choose the right training method, it is important to understand the key differences between High Stress Training (HST) and Low Stress Training (LST). What is LST and why is it effective for cannabis? It is a gentle method of bending and fixing branches, which allows you to distribute light evenly, improve ventilation, and control plant growth without causing stress.

HST and LST comparison table

Is it possible to grow cannabis in a pot outdoors: both methods are applicable for home conditions and open ground. At the same time, it is important to follow the training rules, control the lighting regime, cannabis feeding, ventilation, and the size of the pots for cannabis.

Using HST and LST together allows you to achieve the perfect balance between increasing yield and minimizing stress on the plant, which is especially important for sativa, indica, and hybrid strains.

This text is for informational purposes only and does not contain instructions for cultivation. Any actions involving plants of the Cannabis genus must comply with the laws of your country/region.