Commercially produced floral hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is high in cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations relative to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); this is intentional due to regulatory pressures requiring low THC thresholds. Given the predominant role of genotype in plant development, it is crucial to also explore environmental factors that may allow for optimization of hemp growth, yield, and quality. The goal in this study is to evaluate the extent to which an extended vegetative growing period has on height, width, and yield in irrigated raised bed production of floral hemp in North Dakota. To survey this relationship between planting date, growth, and quality parameters, mother plants were germinated from seed at the beginning of the growing season. Each treatment group of cuttings, separated by approximately two weeks, were excised from their respective cultivar mother plant for four timing treatment groups. Cultivars evaluated were ‘ACDC’, ‘Bubbatonic’, ‘Sour Elektra’, and ‘Umpqua’. The main effect of cultivar did not significantly affect any measured parameters except for height and the top 1/3 portion of dry floral biomass. Planting date treatments significantly affected the wet weight of total above-ground biomass, total dry above-ground biomass, and total floral biomass. Average total above-ground biomass and dry floral biomass was statistically different for each planting date except for the last two planting dates (June 19 and July 3). Total above-ground dry biomass averaged over cultivars, were 4070 g, 2432 g, 1323 g, and 894 g, for dates May 19, June 5, June 19, and July 3, respectively. Mean yields for total dry floral biomass, averaged over cultivars, were 1779 g, 1279 g, 784 g, and 535 g, for dates May 19, June 5, June 19, and July 3, respectively. Earlier planting dates showed an increase in height for three of the four cultivars with the exception of ‘Umpqua’. A cultivar interaction with planting date treatment occurred for the top 1/3 portion of dry floral biomass and indicated that earlier planting date increased the biomass for ‘Bubbatonic’ and ‘Sour Elektra’ while planting date did not influence dry biomass for ‘ACDC’ and ‘Umpqua’. The insights gained from assessing the impact of variable vegetative growing periods on growth and quality parameters of photoperiod-dependent floral hemp could have broader implications for optimizing production practices. Understanding the intricate interplay between genotype, environmental factors, and cultivation practices is essential for advancing sustainable and efficient hemp cultivation strategies.
