you need to tie the main tip down or it will begin growing back up and the auxin won't really be re-routed to the auxillary bud sites. this happens to to phototropism (cells in the shade grow faster than the cells in the light). once the plant realizes the main cola is down then the plant will begin re-routing the auxin.

i don't think your stages will make a difference at all. just my opinion.


-shake