How To Grow Top 44
Ready to experience one of the fastest flowering strains in the world? We are talking about Top 44, an iconic commercial powerhouse specifically engineered for speed and efficiency. Bred by the Dutch masters at Homegrown Fantaseeds, this strain earned its name by its ability to finish flowering in as little as 44 days.
This is the plant you grow when you want to maximize your turnover and achieve multiple harvests in a single season without sacrificing quality. It’s a favorite in our community for its compact, “set-it-and-forget-it” nature and its classic skunky-citrus funk. I’m here to educate you and help you nurture this high-velocity Indica from seed to a sticky, resinous harvest. Let’s get to work!
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From Seed to a Lightning Harvest: The Step-by-Step
Top 44 is an Indica-dominant hybrid that prioritizes speed and structural integrity. It produces dense, heavy buds that are remarkably resistant to common pests.
Germination: The Fast Start
Because Top 44 has a shorter lifecycle than most, every day in the beginning counts. Use the paper towel method for guaranteed results.
- Soak: Place seeds in distilled water for 12–24 hours.
- The Sandwich: Place them between damp paper towels in a warm (69–78°F), dark spot.
- The Pop: Within 24–72 hours, the white taproot will emerge.
The Vegetative Stage: Building the Foundation
Top 44 stays short and bushy, making it the ultimate candidate for Sea of Green (SOG) setups.
- Lighting: Maintain an 18/6 light cycle. Use high-quality LEDs or MH lamps to prevent “stretching.”
- Feeding: This strain is nitrogen-hungry during this phase. Maintain a pH of 6.0–6.5 in soil to ensure optimal uptake and lush, green foliage.
- Training: Because it stays compact, Top 44 responds exceptionally well to Topping. Snipping the main tip early encourages lateral growth, turning your plant into a productive bush.
The Flowering Stage: The 44-Day Sprint
Switch to a 12/12 light cycle to initiate the most famous phase of this strain.
- Speed: Watch closely—buds will begin to swell rapidly after only two weeks of flowering.
- Aroma: Expect a pungent, skunky aroma with deep earthy notes and a twist of lemon citrus. Ensure your carbon filter is active!
- Nutrients: Transition to a formula high in Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). Avoid overfeeding; Top 44 is efficient and can be sensitive to nutrient burn.
- Humidity Check: Drop your humidity to 40% during the final weeks. The buds are incredibly dense, and low humidity is essential to prevent internal bud rot.
Promos & Deals
Indoor vs. Outdoor: Choosing Your Arena
Growing Indoors
Indoor setups allow you to exploit Top 44’s rapid lifecycle to the fullest.
- Height: Compact! Expect plants to stay between 70 to 120 cm (2–4 feet).
- Yield: A rewarding 400–500 grams per square meter.
- Environment: Maintain a stable 70–80°F range. Use oscillating fans to strengthen stems and ensure airflow through the dense canopy.
Growing Outdoors
Under the sun, Top 44’s speed allows it to finish before the cold, damp autumn weather sets in.
- Sunlight: Needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight to maximize resin production.
- Yield: Very substantial, often reaching 500 grams per plant.
Best U.S. Cities:
- San Diego/Los Angeles, CA: The consistent sunshine and low humidity are ideal.
- Denver, CO: The high altitude and dry air are perfect for preventing mold in dense buds.
- Portland, OR: Possible due to its early finish, avoiding the late-season rains.
Pro-Level Playbook: Cloning and Sustainability
Cloning: Replicate the Velocity
Found a phenotype that finishes in record time? Clone it!
- Select: Take a 4–6 inch cutting from a healthy vegetative branch at a 45-degree angle.
- Dip: Use a high-quality rooting hormone to stimulate root development.
- Protect: Place in a humidity dome (70–80% RH) at 70–75°F. Roots usually show in 7–14 days.
What to Do With Your Trim?
A sustainable grower wastes nothing! Top 44 is a resin factory.
Use your trimmings for Rosin Pressing or Ethanol Extraction. Even the fan leaves can be composted to create a nutrient-rich “Super Soil” for your next lightning-fast cycle.
The Grand Finale: Harvest, Dry & Cure
Don’t miss the window! Use a loupe to check the trichomes. When they are mostly milky white with amber hints, peak THC and flavor are reached.
- The Chop: Cut the plant at the base and remove large fan leaves.
- The Slow Dry: Hang branches upside down in a dark, cool room (60–70°F / 50% RH) for 7 days. Stems should “snap” rather than bend.
- The Cure: Place buds in glass jars. “Burp” them daily for the first week to release moisture. A 2-week cure is usually sufficient for this strain to express its full, skunky citrus profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Top 44 good for beginners?
Yes! Its fast growth, manageable size, and resilience to pests make it one of the easiest high-yield strains for a first-time grower.
Does it really flower in 44 days?
While some phenotypes can hit the 44-day mark, most growers find it reaches peak maturity between 6 to 7 weeks.
What are the effects really like?
It’s a perfect Indica-dominant journey. Expect an initial euphoric cerebral lift followed by deep, soothing physical relaxation perfect for stress relief.
How do I prevent bud rot in such dense colas?
Strictly maintain humidity below 45% during late flowering and ensure plenty of air circulation within the canopy.
How much space does it need?
Very little! Because it stays compact, it is perfect for small tents, closets, or high-density SOG (Sea of Green) gardens.
