What is a "true" node?

I have 2 plants going from bag seed (same bag). I decided to try Uncle Bens topping technique to get 4 colas. He says to top above the 2nd "true" node. I went by instinct here and I've posted pics to demonstrate. If someone can tell and let me know that would be great.

Pic#1- Side view. I think 2 is the first true node.
Pic#2- I'm hoping this is the 4 colas.
Pic#3- Same as above

By the way. Closet fall begins tonight. Time to see what they are.
Pic#4- The topping placed in peat pellet with soaked in high P plant starter with no root hormones. Lots of moisture, humidity and heat.
Pic#5-My other plant, not topped.
Pic#6- My under the stairs, in the bathroom, set up.

The first true node is located right above the cotylodons (seed leaves). Based on your #1 pic I would say that #1 is actually #2, but I cant see the lower parts of the plant. Best advice, start at the cotylodons and go up from there.

I've tried to get a better shot here. The reason I'm leery is because there are a set of new foliage that is growing in below the original two leaves. I believe that #3 is the first set of fan leaves because all leaves below #3 are smaller.

On a totally different note, is that a mirror with your grow? They do not reflect light all, they actual "suck it in" Your plants look really good BTW.

Kimi

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adolph said:

The first true node is located right above the cotylodons (seed leaves). Based on your #1 pic I would say that #1 is actually #2, but I cant see the lower parts of the plant. Best advice, start at the cotylodons and go up from there.

Click to expand...

your 100% correct on the first node being right above the corty's.. it will be the first set of single serrated leaflets

duchieman said:

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I've tried to get a better shot here. The reason I'm leery is because there are a set of new foliage that is growing in below the original two leaves. I believe that #3 is the first set of fan leaves because all leaves below #3 are smaller.

Click to expand...

So +Rep to you for photoing your question. It is the first time I have seen a UB topping question with such clarity. You should alert UB and have him chime in for the "Final answer". So many have asked this question to the point where UB almost loses it ! It seems simple, but so many are paranoid to snip their baby so radically.

Again, what's confusing me is that there has been new stem/leaf growth below the original two leaves (which would have originally been the first node) but now the new growth creates a new first node. I guess I, like others here, are trying to understand what Uncle Ben meant by "true" in his topping (sticky) thread.

Thank you patlpp! If you look closely at that photo you will see that there are two small leaves growing below the node that I marked #1. So does that mean the first node is changing as it grows?