Evaluating Chinese fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties and planting dates in North Carolina

Field trials were conducted in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the effects of planting date (mid‐March, mid‐April, and mid‐May) on 11 fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L. 7.5 mm, which is generally considered the maximum width for textile‐grade fiber production. To achieve thinner stems from the varieties investigated, harvesting prior to male‐flower initiation may be required. The crop experienced temperatures below freezing in both years with no signs of damage. Taken together, farmers seeking to plant fiber hemp in North Carolina have a wide planting window from mid‐March to mid‐May using these Chinese varieties. Core Ideas European fiber hemp varieties perform poorly in North Carolina due to early flowering. Chinese fiber hemp varieties flowered at the end of August and yields ranged from 4824 to 35,124 kg ha−1. Differences among varieties varied and were likely due to inconstant emergence and final stand counts. Minimal yield and morphological differences were observed among planting dates between mid‐March and mid‐May.