A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Hemp: From Seed to Harvest
Author: Eva Keller
The arrival of spring signals the perfect time to plant something new. Let's delve into the process of germinating hemp seeds, growing a seedling, and nurturing it into a lush green plant that will delight you with its appearance and benefits.
Choosing the Right Seeds and Hemp Variety
For the best results, opt for feminized hemp seeds. These seeds have a 99% chance of being female, which is crucial because female plants produce the desirable buds, while males only provide pollen. Male plants can pollinate females, leading to seeds rather than usable flowers, which is often undesirable.
Recommended Seeds from Cannadorra
Cannadorra suggests the CBD Candy Dawg Kush Fem, a photo-periodic indica that flowers in 8-9 weeks. This variety offers a sweet taste and rich OG Kush fragrance. It’s medium-sized and bushy, perfect for concentrates and extracts. Feminized to ensure high CBD to THC ratios (1:1), these seeds promise a productive harvest.
Selecting the Perfect Growing Spot
Outdoor Growing
Growing hemp outdoors in gardens, balconies, fields, or woods allows nature to assist in its growth. Benefits include natural conditions and ample space, resulting in larger plants. However, outdoor growing comes with risks like pests, animals, weather extremes, and potential legal issues.
Indoor Growing
Indoor growing offers control over the plant’s environment, reducing legal risks. However, it requires investment in equipment and diligent care to maintain ideal conditions.
Greenhouse Growing
A greenhouse provides a balanced approach, offering protection while still allowing for natural light and airflow.
Germinating Hemp Seeds
Direct Planting
Place the seed about 1 cm deep in the substrate, water it, and keep it in a well-lit area at around 25 degrees Celsius. Water and ventilate regularly. Seedlings will appear in a few days. If multiple seeds sprout, separate them carefully to avoid root damage.
Pre-Sprouting
Alternatively, let the seeds sprout in water on cotton wool before planting them in the substrate. This method involves more handling and increases the risk of damaging seedlings.
Tip: Plant more seeds than needed since germination rates are not always 100%.
Cannadorra’s Germination Tip
Eva from Cannadorra shares her method: Soak the seeds in cooled boiled water for 24 hours. Plant the seed in a hole made in the soil up to the depth of the first knuckle on your pinky. Water the surface with a sprinkler and avoid overwatering. Repeat until the plant emerges.
Planting in a Greenhouse or Outdoors
Once the seedling is about 15-20 cm tall, it’s ready to be planted in the soil or a larger pot. Ensure the plant gets plenty of sunlight and the soil is slightly alkaline (pH 7 to 7.3). Planting hemp with tomato seedlings can be beneficial as they share similar irrigation needs.
Hemp Growth and Care
Ensure there is enough space for root expansion and maintain steady watering. The growth phase lasts until the end of August, after which the plant begins to bloom until the end of October. Trim the plants to manage their height.
Harvesting Hemp
Harvest only the buds of female plants. These buds can be used for teas, tinctures, and ointments. Dry the buds at 20°C for 14 days or at 15°C for 3-4 weeks. A dryer can expedite this process.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can successfully grow hemp, yielding plants that are both visually pleasing and beneficial.
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