From March onwards we spread organic manure produced by our own cattle, onto the fields; this is vital for optimum plant growth.
After a deep ploughing, sowing takes place in April were only 2 grains are sown per m² (in comparison to fibre hemp when 100 to 200 grains are sown per m²).
We produce our own seeds. These are the result of several years of selection based mainly on the fragrance of the plant, its sturdiness and hardiness, but also on the homogeneousness and the constant quality of the essence produced. We sow in lines leaving enough space between each so that the sun can cover the plants with light and heat from all sides.
Hemp likes a deep light soil rich in humus, but most importantly is a sunny position.
When hoeing, we break up the soil and at the same time enables us to fight against weeds.
In July, the growth of the plant can be as much as 4 to 5 cm per day. From the beginning of August, when daylight becomes significantly shorter, the plant stops growing and starts to ripen. It is from this moment up until harvest that the plant produces a maximum of essential oil.
All the branches thicken and become heavier, and the colour changes from light green to dark green, even violet. The plants perfume becomes stronger and stronger; so intense just before the harvest that it can be smelt up to a kilometre away.
Only the female plants are used, which give the essential oil that we are looking for. From the end of June until August, 5 to 6 visits to the fields are necessary in order to remove the male plants. This is an enormous task which takes up a large part of the summer. This manner of proceeding enables us to avoid a chaotic pollination which could go against a high quality harvest.
A few years ago our fields were surrounded by wire and alarms were installed. Today an electric barrier surrounds the perimeter and we are directly notified by mobile phone of any presence, even before a thief goes into the field. Because of this system, theft is practically inexistent. If thieves are caught, they are immediately handed over to the police.
From March onwards we spread organic manure produced by our own cattle, onto the fields; this is vital for optimum plant growth.
Hemp likes a deep light soil rich in humus, but most importantly is a sunny position.
In July, the growth of the plant can be as much as 4 to 5 cm per day. From the beginning of August, when daylight becomes significantly shorter, the plant stops growing and starts to ripen. It is from this moment up until harvest that the plant produces a maximum of essential oil.
All the branches thicken and become heavier, and the colour changes from light green to dark green, even violet. The plants perfume becomes stronger and stronger; so intense just before the harvest that it can be smelt up to a kilometre away.
Only the female plants are used, which give the essential oil that we are looking for. From the end of June until August, 5 to 6 visits to the fields are necessary in order to remove the male plants. This is an enormous task which takes up a large part of the summer. This manner of proceeding enables us to avoid a chaotic pollination which could go against a high quality harvest.
A few years ago our fields were surrounded by wire and alarms were installed. Today an electric barrier surrounds the perimeter and we are directly notified by mobile phone of any presence, even before a thief goes into the field. Because of this system, theft is practically inexistent. If thieves are caught, they are immediately handed over to the police.
