Hemp: Rediscovering Nature’s Versatile Gift - Part II - How to Grow It
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant which has been grown for thousands of years due to its versatility. Unlike marijuana, hemp contains just trace amounts of the psychoactive chemical THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, making it a legal crop grown around the world.
Its applications are as broad as they are spectacular and include medicine, clothing, and construction.
In a series of articles, I’ll explore hemp’s remarkable benefits and versatile uses, examine the optimal conditions for its cultivation, and reveal why this plant's enormous potential remains virtually unexplored.
I hope that my pieces will result in a renewed understanding of this incredible natural gift, reintroducing its numerous benefits into everyday life.
In part one, I presented you the wonderful benefits of hemp.
Now, let's have a look at the conditions required for hemp to grow 👇
Hemp is a robust plant that thrives in a variety of conditions, making it an appropriate crop for many areas, but it grows best in temperate climates with moderate rainfall.
☀️ Temperature
The ideal temperature range for hemp growth is 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C). It can withstand cooler temperatures but flourishes in warm, sunny climates.
💧 Watering
Hemp requires regular watering, but once established, it is drought-tolerant. Over-watering can damage the roots, thus good drainage is necessary.
🌱 Soil Type
Hemp thrives in loose, well-drained soils with high organic matter content. It can also tolerate sandy soils, however clay soils should be avoided unless altered to improve drainage. Soil pH should be 6 to 7, which ranges from slightly acidic to neutral. Hemp is not highly nutrient-demanding, however adding organic compost or balanced fertilizers can aid boost development, especially in the early stages. It is critical to analyze the soil beforehand to ensure that it is not low in essential elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
🌱 Planting
In most temperate climates, hemp should be sown in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. It can be cultivated from either seeds or clones.
If you are planting from seed, you can either sow directly into the soil or start seedlings in containers and transplant them once they are established. Seeds are typically planted 1 to 2 inches (2.5–5 cm) deep. For fiber hemp, rows should be 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart, while hemp meant for CBD or seeds should be 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm).
Hemp grows quickly, taking approximately 100 to 120 days from seed to harvest.
🦗 Weeding and Pest Control
Hemp is a robust plant which can defeat most weeds, but early weed control is still required, particularly in the initial weeks following planting. Managing weeds may require the use of mulch or shallow cultivation. Although hemp is typically pest-resistant, be on the lookout for common crop pests like as root rot, spider mites, and aphids. Insecticidal soap or organic pest management techniques can be helpful if needed.
🚜 Harvesting
The timing of harvest depends on the planned use of the hemp (fiber, seeds, or CBD).
→ Fiber Hemp
If you're growing hemp for fiber, harvest it when the plants are fully mature and the fibers have developed, which is normally 90 to 120 days after planting. The plants will begin to turn yellow, and the fibers will become strong.
→ Seed Hemp
If you're growing hemp for seeds, harvest when the seeds are mature, which is normally when the plant begins to blossom and the seeds turn light brown.
→ CBD Hemp
The plant is picked when the blooms are fully matured and the cannabinoids are at their peak levels (usually in late summer or early fall).
✂️ Post-harvest Processing
After harvesting, the hemp must be carefully dried to avoid mold and mildew. Depending on your space and budget, you can hang the plants or use a drying rack. If grown for fiber, the stalks must be treated to remove the fibers from the woody core (a process known as "retting"). Plants must be gathered and preserved properly before they can be used to produce seeds or CBD.
Can you grow hemp yourself?
Absolutely, as long as you adhere to the local rules. However, in places such as the United States or Canada, you may be required to obtain a permission even if you only have a few plants in your garden. Also, if you don't want your neighbors to believe you're running a secret cannabis farm, put a sign on your gate that says "It's HEMP, not Cannabis!"
Start small, maybe even indoors. Grow it to make a delightful tea with plenty of health benefits, and enjoy its big green leaves as a beautiful natural decoration.
📢 Good to know
While hemp cultivation is permitted in some countries, it is restricted or prohibited in others. The main concern is typically the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content, which needs to be below a specific level (typically 0.3% or 0.2%) in order for hemp to qualify as legal.
→ In the United States, hemp was legalized via the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed it from the Controlled Substances Act. Farmers in the United States can grow hemp, but it must adhere to specific regulations, including testing for THC levels.
→ Growing hemp in Canada is completely legal with proper licensing, and it has been for many years.
→ Many European countries allow hemp production as long as the THC content is less than 0.2%, but each country may have its own rules.
→ Australia and New Zealand both allow hemp production, however there are restrictions on THC level and the types of products that can be made from hemp.
→ Hemp production is authorized to varied degrees in nations such as China, India, and Russia, with China being one of the biggest hemp producers.
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