Since the Cannabis Act (CanG), adults in Germany can legally grow up to 3 plants at home. Sounds simple – but anyone who really wants to optimize their indoor grow cannot avoid two training techniques: Topping and Scrogging. Combined with the right fertilizer setup, you'll get the most out of your plant – even in the smallest space.
In this guide, we'll show you step-by-step how to work with these methods in the Frank C. Glow Box – from the first cut decision to harvesting directly in the cabinet.
What is CanG? – The Cannabis Act (CanG), in force since April 2024, allows adults aged 18 and over to cultivate up to 3 cannabis plants in their private residence. The Glow Box is specifically designed for this legal homegrow under CanG.
1. Topping – More Shoots Instead of One Large Headbud
Topping means: you cut off the uppermost shoot tip of the plant, so that it doesn't just grow upwards, but puts its energy into several new main shoots – more branching instead of just one dominant headbud.
This is particularly relevant for micro-grows in indoor cabinets: Instead of a tall, narrow plant, a wide, compact bush develops – perfect for uniform illumination in the Glow Box.
Dominant Main Shoot
The untopped plant produces one dominant main tip that overshadows all other shoots. Energy distribution is uneven – the headbud grows, the rest remains small.
Cut the Tip Above the Node
Cut cleanly above a node – this is where the two new main shoots will emerge. Important: use sterilized tools, make a clean cut without crushing.
Dominant Side Shoots
One tip becomes two equally strong main branches. Repeated topping further multiplies this: 2 → 4 → 8 colas. In a compact indoor grow cabinet, a single topping is often sufficient, before you continue with scrogging.
Tip: Only top when the plant has developed 3–4 node pairs. After topping, allow 5–7 days for recovery before continuing.
2. Scrogging (SCROG) – Uniform Lighting for Maximum Yield
SCROG stands for Screen of Green: You stretch a net over your plant and guide the shoots through it so that they are distributed as evenly as possible under the light source. The result: a dense, flat carpet of flowers instead of a few long branches.
In the Glow Box, the integrated SCROG net is already part of the system – you don't have to improvise anything. The technique makes sense especially in indoor cannabis cultivation, where light efficiency is everything.
Step 1 – Let it Grow
After topping, let the plant grow freely until the shoots reach the net. Don't intervene too early – the shoot needs length so you can guide it.
Step 2 – Tie Down
Gently bend shoots through the net openings and secure them horizontally. No sharp bends – the plant should be guided, not broken.
Step 3 – Fill the Net
Repeat tying down until 70–80% of the net is evenly covered. Then: switch light program to Flowering (12/12 hours).
Combine Topping + Scrogging: The combination of both techniques is the standard for efficient indoor grow. Topping increases the number of shoots, scrogging ensures uniform lighting for all shoots. Together, you maximize yield in minimal space.
3. Fertilizing – Simple with the Frank C. Pot System
The Frank C. pot system makes fertilizing unusually simple: Instead of liquid fertilizer, which requires precise timing and knowledge of quantities, it works with fertilizer pellets.
How it Works
Simply insert any number of pellets into one or more holes of the pot system. If you leave the tops slightly protruding, you can directly see how much has already been fertilized – no guesswork, no re-measuring.
Vegetative Phase
Nitrogen-rich pellets for vigorous leaf growth. Less is more – it's better to add more later than to over-fertilize. Yellowed leaves on a healthy plant = too much nitrogen.
Flowering Phase
Phosphorus and potassium-rich pellets for dense buds. The last 2 weeks before harvest: only water, no more fertilizer – this significantly improves taste and quality.
Suitable fertilizer pellets for the vegetative and flowering phases can be found directly in the Frank C. shop – coordinated with the Glow Box pot system. To the Fertilizer Assortment →
4. Example Cycle – From Clone to Harvest
The plant is kept extraordinarily compact through pruning techniques and intense lighting. This extends the vegetative phase – but rewards you with a dense carpet of buds. Frank C. is not a seed dealer with unrealistic time promises. This cycle includes buffers.
Week 1–2: Acclimatization & Initial Growth
Place clone or seed in the pot system. Light on veg mode, place first fertilizer pellets. Do not intervene yet.
Week 3–4: Topping
3–4 node pairs present? Now top – cleanly cut the tip above the node. Allow 1 week for recovery.
Week 5–7: Set up SCROG
Guide new shoots, insert them into net openings, secure horizontally. Goal: 70–80% of the net covered.
Week 8: Switch to Flowering
Switch light program to 12/12 hours. Change fertilizer pellets to flowering mix.
Week 9–16: Flowering Phase
Buds develop. No more tying or cutting. The last 2 weeks only water – no more fertilizer.
Week 16+: Check Harvest Readiness
Check trichomes under a magnifying glass: milky-cloudy = ready for harvest. Clear = too early. Amber = late, relaxing effect.
Many paths lead to the goal – especially with cannabis. This cycle is a guideline, not a requirement. Developing your own technique is expressly encouraged.
5. Harvesting, Drying & Curing in the Glow Box
What's special about the Glow Box: The plant can be dried directly in the box – no separate drying room needed. This keeps odor and effort minimal.
Step 1: Harvest
Cut the stem below the SCROG net. The root ball and substrate initially remain in the pot.
Step 2: Dry in the Box
Remove the lid with the net and plant and place it directly in the box. Important: Disconnect the circulation fans from power – only use the exhaust fan! This way, your harvest is dried gently and with minimal odor nuisance in your home.
Step 3: Substrate
Let the substrate dry outside the box. If it is already completely dry, it can also remain in the box without separation.
Step 4: Curing
Place dried buds (after 7–14 days of drying) in airtight jars. For the first 2 weeks, ventilate for 15 minutes daily (burping). Taste and effect significantly improve with longer curing.
Conclusion: Compact, Legal, Efficient
Topping and scrogging are the two techniques that turn a normal plant into an optimized indoor grow – especially in a small space. Combined with the simple fertilizer pellet system of the Glow Box, entering legal homegrow under CanG is easier than ever.
The Glow Box has everything you need for this guide: integrated SCROG net, compatible pot system, optimized lighting. Your living room. Your plants. Your light.
For adults aged 18 and over only. Private home cultivation is limited to a maximum of 3 plants per person according to CanG. Frank C. does not sell seeds. Please inform yourself about the current legal regulations in your federal state.
0 comments