Hemp is a wind-pollinated, annual broadleaf plant with a taproot that is a low kind of Cannabis sativa with a low content of the cannabinoid THC. It is grown for long fibers for textiles, hemp seeds for oil, and other purposes.
Hemp germinates about three to five days under ideal conditions. It grows quickly, often taking around 120 days to maturity, preferably under warm and sunny circumstances. Seed and biomass yield (stems and leaves) are lower in dark and chilly climes.
Hemp is a high-yielding crop that may produce more oil than peanuts and up to four times the amount of paper pulp as trees on the same amount of land. Hemp may be grown hydroponically as well (farming that only uses water and essential nutrients, and not soil).
Hemp Soil Preparation
Hemp grows best on well-drained loam soil with a pH of 6 to 7.5 and at least 3.5% organic matter. Dense, poorly-drained clay soil is unsuitable, and the additional irrigation and fertilization required by sandy soil may be prohibitively expensive.
Seedbed preparation is critical; hard and fine is preferable for planting hemp seeds 2 – 3cm deep. Hemp is frost sensitive during germination and needs water for the first six weeks after planting.
Hemp fertilization should be depending on soil analysis, but in general, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur are recommended. Calcium levels should not exceed 6 000 ppm.
When Should You Plant Hemp?
The hemp plant is vulnerable to short day length, according to the Agricultural Research Council’s industrial crops facility. As a result, the planting date is an essential component in optimizing fibre hemp output.
Hemp requires long, warm summers with day lengths ranging from 14 to 16 hours. In the Eastern and Western Cape, planting in October to November results in taller plants with higher fibre yields. Short days produce early blooming and limited leaf growth, resulting in lesser fibre production.
Hemp Growing Permits
Hemp farmers in South Africa import seeds and must obtain a special licence to import a ‘restricted substance.’ The Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries issues seed approvals (DAFF). They can only plant certified seed from a recognized variety with less than 0.1% THC. Seeds are sourced from the Czech Republic, Spain, the United States, and France.
The permission for cultivating hemp in South Africa is currently under’research’ and is not available for commercial production. In addition to their applications, prospective hemp producers must submit research projects. Application forms are available from the offices of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and cost R902 (2019).
In South Africa, how much does a cannabis license cost?
In South Africa, licence for growing, cultivating, manufacturing, or importing cannabis can cost up to R25 000 per year. Once you have completed the application process, SAHPRA will provide you with the final charges.
