Hemp and Ireland's Climate

[An Rí]

In a lot of parts of Ireland, it starts raining in September and we don't get a sustained break from the rain until spring the following year. During that time the use of heavy machinery, like tractors, on the land is prohibited to prevent tearing up the land. This reduces the growing season for many crops and as the winters here get wetter and the climate gets milder, we may need to look at alternative crops to help sustain farming incomes.

The time it takes for cereal grains like wheat, barley, and oats to grow depends on factors like the specific variety, climate, and growing conditions. Here's a general guide:

1. Wheat​

• Spring Wheat: 90–120 days
  • Planted in spring and harvested in late summer.
• Winter Wheat: 210–240 days
  • Planted in autumn, overwinters, and is harvested in late spring or early summer.

2. Barley​

• Spring Barley: 90–100 days
  • Planted in spring and harvested in summer.
• Winter Barley: 210–240 days
  • Planted in autumn, overwinters, and is harvested in late spring or early summer.

3. Oats​

• Spring Oats: 90–120 days
  • Planted in spring and harvested in late summer.
• Winter Oats: 200–240 days
  • Planted in autumn, overwinters, and harvested in late spring or early summer

Hemp typically takes 90–120 days to grow from planting to harvest, depending on its purpose and growing conditions. Here’s a breakdown based on the type of hemp being cultivated:

1. Fiber Hemp​

• Growth Period: 60–90 days
• Characteristics: Grown for its stalks, which are used in textiles, paper, and other materials. Plants are harvested earlier when the stalks are mature but before the seeds develop fully.

2. Seed Hemp​

• Growth Period: 100–120 days
• Characteristics: Cultivated for seeds used in food, oil production, and animal feed. Plants are left in the ground longer to allow seeds to mature.

3. CBD Hemp (Cannabinoid Production)​

• Growth Period: 90–120 days
• Characteristics: Typically grown for its flowers, which contain high levels of CBD or other cannabinoids. Requires more attention to detail and careful harvesting to preserve the flowers' quality.