HARDDON....Luvs starting the morning out with some one hits and these questions...

ARGH!

Topping or no topping, it will still double, at least, during flower.

Sorry...I meant if you top her, you wont prevent her from doubling in size during flower.

So if you still have 17"......top her or not, you are still gonna have to plan for at least a double of height...that still means forcing flower when approx. 6-8" tall.

You can LST, or as was mentioned, do a scrog.

But in thinking ahead.....it might be good for you guys to get a good grow under your belt before venturing into the specialty grows.

Killing some plants by fucking em up is the best teacher you could possibly have

I would advise the simple SOG method for your little box.

You can maybe grow 12 little plants....force them to flower in 21 days...regardless of height, and you will have 12 tiny little popsickles buds (assuming all females) in 11 weeks.

You will only have one bud generally, the top one.

Low stem training or screen of green might be a challenge best under taken after you have a grow or two under your belt.

So I think you should do the SOG, or sea of green type grow.

It is as simple as it gets and perfect for your attempts.

Sorry if i coinfused but i was pretty fricking high last night.