🌿 Hemp: Growing Guide
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at 10–32 °C (50–90 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart. Expect 80–120 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Cannabis sativa |
|---|---|
| Category | Grains |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 30 cm (12 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 10–32 °C (50–90 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 80–120 days |
| Sowing depth | 1 cm (0.4 in) |
| Height | 100–500 cm (39–197 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Continental | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Tropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: May · Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Feb · Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Apr–Jun.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jan, Jul · Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: May · Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 8 days in winter. Moderate watering.
Growing tips
Industrial hemp (up to 0.3% THC) for fiber and seed. Check local regulations before growing.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Hemp: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: May · Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Jul–Aug. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
Hemp: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 8 days in winter. Moderate watering.
Hemp: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 30 cm (12 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 1 cm (0.4 in).
Hemp: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 80–120 days.
Hemp: which plants grow well with it?
Corn, Squash.
Hemp: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids, Botrytis.
Plan your garden
Add Hemp to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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