What age is your preferred time to top/FIM?

I'm only a couple weeks into my first grow, but at some point along the line I do plan on going this route.

I believe that you only top during veg (never during flower), correct? Anyway, how long from when the seed hits the dirt do you have to wait? Or, do you instead go own height?

I have been trying to find that answer myself. I agree topping during flower is not a good idea. I wouldnt think going by height or time is the best way since all plants grow differently. I was leaning towarn going by the leaves. For example. Top above the first node that produces leaves with 5 leaflets. But i really dont know I have always waited until I saw it was going to veg out taller than I wanted, but this one I am wanting it as short as possible.

To get a bushy plant, Clip the tip of the growing shoot after the third set of leaves has devolved. After the plant has devolved three or four leaf sets above the cut it is ok to top again. - paraphrased from MJ growers hand book Ed Rosenthal

In reality you can fim or top after the first set of true leaves. Most common answer is to cut at fifth node when you get seven nodes in. Not sure if it's to make sure plant is well established, or cause you can then use the cut top as a clone. As long as your plants are healthy, is fine whenever, cept for flowering.

It depends how your gonna grow them. If you wanna top them do it early and the plant will grow 4 main branches thats what you want train them to grow into a bush. I like subcools bondage method the best it keeps your plants smaller but there bushes. Heres my Royal purp kush topped and trained outdoors.

Yes no topping during flower.

i top when it has 6 nodes

same .. tho I FIM .. but atlest 6 nod .. like em to have some grow .. seems to recover faster ..

I top after the 4th Node