Almost all parts of the industrial hemp plant can be utilized, including as insulation material, textiles, paper or - as in our case - as the basis of food for a healthy diet. In this article, we shed light on the cultivation of the crop and show you...
- Which parts of the hemp plant are used for what
- How hemp works as a natural soil healer
- What to look out for when growing and harvesting and
- A few useful facts about hemp
Hemp seeds with a high nutrient content
The nutritious seeds are used as a dietary supplement for athletes and vegetarians due to their high protein content. Hemp seeds also contain high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 and other rare, unsaturated fatty acids. The flowers and leaves of the hemp plant are used to make tea, juice or as a basis for tinctures and extracts. They contain terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids, including the well-known substances CBD and THC. The wood pulp inside the plant is used as a raw material for building materials or as stable bedding. The only thing missing is hemp oil, which is used as a food or cosmetic product.
Hemp - a natural soil healer
Thanks to its fine root system, the hemp plant loosens the soil and thus improves the water and nutrient balance for the subsequent crop. Due to its rapid growth, hemp covers the field after just a few weeks, giving weeds no chance. This is ideal for organic farmers in particular, who do not use sprays anyway. The hemp plant also draws heavy metals out of the soil and stores them in a less harmful form, which heals the soil to a certain extent. The roots grow down to the groundwater, meaning that industrial hemp can also survive longer periods of drought. Not a bad feature in view of the impending climate change ;-)
Strict conditions and "bloom notification"
As hemp can also have an intoxicating effect under certain circumstances, its cultivation is strictly regulated by law. Farmers who grow other crops in addition to hemp must submit a registration form with seed labels together with the collective application to the responsible agricultural office. This information is forwarded to the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food. As soon as the hemp flowers, a flowering notification must be submitted. THC samples are then taken from the fields. Only when the value does not exceed 0.2% THC is a harvest release issued. If the value is exceeded, it is not the farmer but the respective grower who is admonished. If the hemp plant is not intended for human consumption but, for example, as insulation material, it may be harvested even if the 0.2% is exceeded.
He who sows, reaps
Hemp prefers a sandy-loamy location with sufficient rainfall (at least 400 mm per season). Regions with low soil points are also generally suitable for hemp cultivation. The hemp plant is a shallow germinator, so the seed should not be sown too deep (approx. 2-4 cm). The sowing thickness and the required row spacing depend on whether the hemp crop is intended for fiber or seed production. It is recommended to sow the hemp in April at a soil temperature of approx. 8° C and with sufficient moisture.
If the hemp completely covers the field after a few weeks, rapid growth is the order of the day. Hemp can grow up to an incredible 7 cm per day in May! If the hemp cannot cover the ground completely, there is a risk of weeds. From sowing to harvesting, no further work is necessary for the farmer. The perfect harvest time is in August for the fibers and in September for the seeds. It is important that the hemp seeds do not "crack" yet, as otherwise the fats contained in the seeds will oxidize and turn yellowish. Harvesting is difficult because the hemp fibers are extremely resistant and can wrap themselves around the combine harvester, which can lead to fires in the machine. It is therefore essential to regularly check for wrapping points and remove them if necessary. Special machines are often used to harvest the seeds. If the hemp is only grown for seed production, the Finola or Earlina variety is worthwhile, as these can also be harvested by non-converted combine harvesters. Would you like to grow hemp for HANS Brainfood or do you have further questions? Then simply get in touch at info@hans-brainfood.de.
Useful facts to show off
- 1982-1996: During these years, hemp cultivation was banned in Germany
- Most varieties approved in the EU reach a height of 2-4 m
- It takes 110 days from sowing to fiber harvest
- It takes 130-140 days from sowing to seed maturity
- 0.2 percent is the upper limit of THC content that may not be exceeded
- We need 30-40 kg of seed for one hectare of hemp
- The hemp plant can grow 7 cm per day at its peak
Did you know?
We source the hemp seeds for our products from our own own fields.
In our online shop you will find all products:
Whether raw hemp seeds peeled, hemp bars or protein powder, every hemp heart beats faster here!