The term “cola” in cannabis cultivation refers to the dense, clustered mass of female flowers that forms on a mature plant. This structure is the plant’s reproductive center and the most desired part of the harvest due to its high concentration of beneficial compounds. As the plant transitions into the flowering phase, these clusters swell and merge, creating the compact form of the cola. Growers focus on the health and size of these colas because they represent the final product’s quality and total yield.
Defining the Cola Structure
A cannabis cola is a tightly formed cluster resulting from many individual flower sites growing closely together along the plant’s stem or branches. The structure is composed primarily of calyxes, which are small, tear-shaped protective leaves that house the plant’s ovule. These calyxes stack upon one another, creating the compact density that defines a well-developed flower cluster.
The plant produces one dominant cluster known as the main, or apical, cola, which develops at the top of the central stem. This position allows it to receive maximum light, resulting in it being the largest and most robust flower cluster. Smaller, secondary colas form at the tips of the lateral branches beneath this main cluster. These lateral clusters are less massive because the main cola monopolizes the plant’s resources and light exposure.
How Colas Develop Potency
The cola’s biological function is to catch pollen to produce seeds. To protect its reproductive material and deter pests, the plant develops specialized glands that produce a resinous coating. This coating is housed in microscopic, mushroom-shaped structures called trichomes that cover the surface of the calyxes and surrounding small leaves.
Within these trichomes, the plant synthesizes and stores the majority of its cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, and aromatic compounds known as terpenes. The potency of the harvested flower is directly determined by the density and maturity of these trichomes across the cola’s surface. A high-quality cola appears frosted due to the sheer number of these tiny, crystal-like glands. The combination of cannabinoids and terpenes creates the specific effects and unique aroma profile associated with each strain.
Techniques for Maximizing Cola Yield
Cultivators use techniques to manipulate the plant’s growth pattern, aiming to increase the number and size of the colas. The plant’s tendency to focus energy on the single main cola is known as apical dominance. Growers intervene to overcome this dominance, redirecting growth hormones to lower branches instead.
One method for achieving this is “topping,” which involves surgically removing the plant’s main growth tip, or apical meristem, during the vegetative stage. This action effectively halts vertical growth at that point and forces the plant to distribute its growth hormones to the two lateral branches directly below the cut. This results in the formation of two main colas where there would have been only one, leading to an overall increase in the number of large flower clusters.
Low-Stress Training (LST)
Another common technique is Low-Stress Training (LST), which involves gently bending and tying down the plant’s branches to a horizontal position. This method physically lowers the main cola to the same height as the secondary branches without cutting the plant. By creating a flat, even canopy, LST ensures that light penetrates uniformly to all bud sites.
This promotes the development of large, dense lateral colas instead of airy, less desirable flowers sometimes called “popcorn buds.” Both topping and LST maximize light exposure to more bud sites, ensuring the plant’s full potential for flower production is realized.