What's the earliest I can start flowering? I'd like to keep it as small as possible.

if you are using clones you can start right away.

I'm growing from seed. My avatar pic is a little behind what the plant is really at.

5-6 alternating nodes, 6 weeks, or about a foot tall, you can go by either of those..plan on it doubling or trippling in size

hey bobogard im trying to do the same thing i have let the plant grow normally but to keep it smaller you could try tieing to top of your plant and anchor it down you will have a fill size plant in a nice confined area but you should read about it in growfacts

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SAPPYDANK

Thanks guys. What do you consider a node? A full leaf or just where leaves are starting?

well im growin like your sayin....i grow for 3 weeks..then flower...it works...but i use root an bud additives...

Welcome Bobogard
Looks like your avitar has one node.

You might want to plant more seeds in case that is a male.

Happy growing

Ok, thanks again guys.