Growth Conditions Of Hemp Seed

Hemp, also known as industrial hemp, is a variation of the cannabis plant cultivated for its edible seed or bast fiber. Humans have used hemp for more than ten thousand years, and it is useful in making many products with economic and environmental benefits.

The hemp plant is known to be tolerant and consistently produces high yields. The plant is an annual plant that is stout, erect with stalks that are slender and hollow except at the tip and base. 

Hemp flowers are greenish-yellow and small, and they are of two types: the female or seed-producing flowers with spike clusters growing on pistillate. The male or pollen-producing flowers have branched clusters growing on the staminate.

Most seeds also contain THC, CBD, and other compounds, although CBD-rich seeds for sale are probably the best to buy. Most people can buy hemp-seed online to grow their hemp plant.

Hemp can either be grown for commercial activities or personal use. Davis farms hemp seeds for sale are one of the best seeds on the market. They provide the best genetic qualities growers prefer in their hemp plant. The necessary growth conditions should be followed after purchasing the seed to allow the plant to grow normally. 

Some of the growth conditions are:

Soil Preparation

A fine, firm seedbed is prepared before planting the seed because hemp is most susceptible to flooding and soil compaction. The soil should have a pH of 6 or more with good nutrient holding capability. 

The soil should have a good moisture-retaining ability while being deeply well-aerated, and it should not be poorly drained as this can also damage the hemp plant. The seedling should not be planted at a depth deeper than 2 inches as this can impact the uniform emergence of the seedling. 

Depending on the planting season, no-till systems can also be used, although they are susceptible to a non-uniform emergence of seedlings.

Time of Seeding

Hemp seeds are grown for several reasons, and they are grown for their fiber or as grain. Hemp grown for fiber is seeded earlier than those grown for grain to reduce the stalk height. The decision to seed should be based on weather and conditions. 

Soil conditions should be optimum before seedings, such as having a minimum temperature between 43-460F with good moisture and pH. The seed germinates within 24 to 48 hours with optimum soil conditions and emerges within 5 to 7 days. 

Controlling Weed

Hemp is a low-maintenance crop as it suppresses weeds by using itself as shade. There is no need to buy weed chemicals as the plant is an efficient suppressor, reducing the cost incurred during planting. 

After hemp harvesting, the field is seen to be weed-free, showing the aggressiveness of hemp on weeds. No chemical has been registered as a weed controller for hemp. 

Nutrition

This is an important aspect to consider as hemp produces a lot of materials within a short time. For the young growing plants to survive, hemp naturally grows in a mild climate, soils with good moisture, humid temperature, and rainfall. 

Potassium and particularly phosphorous are required more during blooming and seed production. Nitrogen absorption is at its peak during the first 6 to 8 weeks. 35 to 50 lbs/ac (39 to 56 kg/ha) phosphate, 52 to 70 lbs/ac (60 to 80 kg/ha) potash, and 80 to 100 lbs/ac (90 to 112 kg/ha) nitrogen are all needed for industrial hemp. The number of available nutrients should be doubled to produce an optimum yield.

Controlling Plants Population

A proper plant density can produce a high-quality yield. An ideal seeding depends on soil type, cultivars, and soil fertility. It should also contain 250 to 400 seeds within 50 to 60 lbs/acre. 

Lower seeding rates in the 35 to 45 lbs/acre range will be necessary to produce grain or seeds. Weed infestation may concern crops planted with 15 to 20lbs/acre.

Plant Rotation

This is one of the best practices in ensuring a consistently high yield. It is possible to produce hemp on the same land for several years in a row, although it is best to rotate it with other crops. It is also known that hemp rotation can benefit soil health.

Conclusion

Hemp requires certain conditions to thrive successfully. Getting the plants’ requirements is essential to a bountiful harvest.