Outdoor spiral LST for wind-stable crowns

## Introduction

**Spiral LST** is a special form of low stress training for **outdoor/open field cultivation**, in which the main shoot is not only tied down once at the side, but is guided around the plant **step by step in a flat spiral shape**. The aim is a **broad, low canopy** with evenly exposed side shoots. This method is particularly useful outdoors because it makes the plant more **wind-stable**, less top-heavy and easier to control in changeable weather.

In contrast to mainlining, classic topping or SCROG, spiral LST does **not require a net** and only **low tissue stress**. It is particularly suitable for **photoperiodic outdoor plants in the vegetation phase** and for vigorous autoflowers only if worked very early and very gently.

## When spiral LST makes sense outdoors

Start **after the last frost** as soon as the plant continues to grow safely outdoors and the main shoot is **flexible but already stable enough**. This is usually from:

- **4-6 nodes** for photoperiodic plants

- about **15-30 cm plant height**

- active growth at mild night temperatures

Timing is important for outdoors:

- **do not train directly before cold spells, heavy rain or storms**

- ideal are **2-3 dry, mild days** after the procedure

- Better to start early in the season while shoots are still flexible

## Suitable plants and setups

Spiral LST works best with:

- **sativa-heavy or strongly stretching varieties**

- Plants in **pots**, because tie points can be easily placed at the edge of the pot

- outdoor plants in the ground, if you work with **ground spikes or ground anchors**

This method is less suitable for

- very stiff, woody old shoots

- weakened plants

- Plants that are already clearly in bloom

## Material for outdoor spiral LST

Only use soft, weatherproof binding materials:

- rubberized plant wire

- soft plant ties

- Jute twine only loose and controlled

- pot edge clips, bamboo sticks or small ground anchors

Important in the open ground:

- **no thin wire directly on the shoot**

- Check ties regularly, as outdoor shoots quickly gain thickness in the sun and rain

## Step-by-step: Spiral LST

### 1. prepare the main shoot

Choose a warm part of the day when the plant is **not limp** but has good elasticity. Do not bend the main shoot **abruptly**, but only so far that the tip is significantly lower than before.

### 2. make the first bend

Fix the base of the plant lightly against tension so that the root neck is not pulled along. Then pull the tip **sideways to the edge of the pot or to a soil spike** and secure it loosely.

### 3. build up the spiral shape

As soon as the tip grows upwards again, after a few days it is tied **a little further in a circle**. This gradually creates a **spiral guide** for the main shoot along the edge.

### 4. arrange side shoots radially

The now emerging side shoots are individually aligned so that they grow outwards in a **fan shape**. The aim is not a dense center, but an **open, evenly distributed crown**.

### 5. level out the height

Dominant shoots are tied down slightly further, weaker shoots remain upright. This reduces apical dominance and several tips develop to a similar degree.

## Outdoor-specific advantages

In the open field, spiral LST offers several practical advantages:

- **better wind permeability** due to loose crown structure

- **less risk of toppling** than with tall, one-sided plants

- more even sun utilization** throughout the day

- easier handling with privacy screens, close to fences or limited height

- better distribution of rain load on several shoots instead of on a dominant tip

Especially in regions with windy summers or early fall weather, a flat, balanced plant is often more robust than a tall, untrained single stem.

## Common mistakes

### Bending too much

Outdoor shoots appear strong, but can **tear** if pulled quickly. Always work in small stages.

### Training too late

Shoots that are already woody are difficult to spiral. This significantly increases the risk of breakage.

### Ties too tight

In the open field, shoots often thicken quickly due to sun, water and strong growth. Constrictions slow down the sap flow.

### Too dense plant core

Spiral LST only brings advantages if side shoots are **really distributed**. A twisted, narrow center is not a good result.

## Timing limits

**Spiral LST belongs in the vegetation phase** In photoperiodic plants, gentle readjustment may still be possible at the beginning of the stretch, but **no more strong corrections from around the third week of flowering**. This increases the risk of breakage, stress and uneven flower development in outdoor cultivation.

The following applies to autoflowers: only very early, very gently and only with vital plants. If pre-flowering has already clearly begun, do not reshape.

## Conclusion

Spiral LST is a **stand-alone outdoor training technique** for growers who want to grow a **wide, low and wind-stable outdoor plant** without hard pruning. When done correctly, it improves light distribution, controls height and creates a structured crown that copes better with typical outdoor conditions.

## Pro Tips

- Bend outdoor shoots in 2-3 small stages rather than in one go.

- Always fix the base of the stem first before pulling on the tip.

- Do not make new bends after heavy rain and cold weather.

- Check tying points for constriction at least once a week.

- Guide dominant shoots around the outside so that the center remains open to light.