The growing cycle of hemp is relatively short, typically taking 3 to 4 months from planting to harvest. Here's a breakdown of the key stages in the hemp growing cycle:
1. Germination (0-2 weeks)
Planting: Hemp seeds are usually planted directly into the soil. Optimal planting times are in late spring when the soil temperature is consistently above 10°C (50°F).
Germination: Within 3 to 7 days, the seeds germinate, and seedlings begin to emerge. This stage requires consistent moisture and warmth.
2. Vegetative Stage (3-8 weeks)
Growth: During the vegetative stage, hemp plants grow rapidly, focusing on developing leaves, stems, and roots. They can grow 2-3 inches per day under optimal conditions.
Sunlight: Hemp requires long days of sunlight, ideally 12-18 hours of light per day, which is typical during the summer months.
Watering and Nutrients: Regular watering and nutrient-rich soil are crucial during this stage to support vigorous growth.
3. Flowering Stage (6-10 weeks)
Triggering: The flowering stage is triggered by shorter daylight hours, typically in late summer or early autumn.
Development: During flowering, hemp plants start to produce flowers. For industrial hemp, which is grown for fiber or seed, this is the period when the plant's fibers or seeds are developing.
Male vs. Female Plants: Male plants produce pollen and die after pollination, while female plants continue to develop seeds if pollinated or produce more flowers if not. Industrial hemp often focuses on female plants for seed production.
4. Harvesting (10-16 weeks)
Timing: Harvesting typically occurs 3-4 months after planting, depending on the hemp variety and the purpose of the crop (fibre, seeds, or CBD production).
Fibre Harvest: If growing for fibre, hemp is usually harvested during the early flowering stage when the stalks are most fibrous.
Seed Harvest: If growing for seeds, the harvest takes place when the seeds are mature, usually 4-6 weeks after flowering begins.
5. Post-Harvest Processing
Drying: After harvesting, hemp plants are dried to reduce moisture content and prevent mould. This is especially important for CBD production.
Processing: Depending on the end product, hemp may undergo various processing methods, such as retting (for fibre), hulling (for seeds), or extraction (for CBD).
6. Rest Period (Winter)
Field Preparation: After harvest, fields are typically prepared for the next growing season, with any remaining plant material tilled back into the soil to enhance its fertility.
Planning: Farmers may also use this time to plan for the next season, including seed selection and soil preparation.
This cycle allows hemp to be a renewable and sustainable crop with the potential for multiple harvests per year in warmer climates or under controlled conditions.