When selecting hemp varieties it is key to understand the local market for hemp and thus know the intended end use. For example, are you looking to produce a fibre for animal bedding, building material (e.g. hempcrete) and textiles, or do you want to harvest the seed for oil or a food product? Or both? Therefore the question needs to be asked, will you be harvesting the seed alone, biomass alone or do you intend to harvest both? Additionally it is imperative to understand your local climate and growing season, this is because varieties that have shorter growing cycles (early flowering) will cease stem growth and set seed earlier. By contrast, varieties with longer growing cycles (late flowering) continue stem growth late into the season, which is beneficial if the intended end use is for biomass. As set out below, there are varieties that can be used for both, depending on the climatic conditions.
At the time of writing there are 100 varieties of EU registered hemp. All EU registered hemp varieties can be found within the EUPVP - Common Catalogue Information System. Search filters to be set as UPOV Species = Cannabis sativa L., and Variety status = Registered.
The varieties listed below have been trialled or successfully grown in the UK and Ireland.
SEED PRODUCING
Finola
Grain specific cultivar in a short, auto-flowering and early maturing crop. Finola grows best in continental and temperate regions and was one of the first grain specific varieties for higher latitudes.
Henola
Grain/oil variety, characterised by a good seed yield with high oil content and shorter plant height – up to ~2m. In addition to a shorter vegetation period, around 3 weeks shorter when compared to Białobrzeskie. Henola seed contains a favourable fatty acid ratio.
Białobrzeskie
Białobrzeskie is characterised by a high yield of seeds, and abundant high quality fibres. A staple variety that has been grown for textiles since the 1960s. It is also popular with CBD extractors for its cannabinoid profile.
FIBRE PRODUCING
Futura 75
Grows in both northern and southern climates. In northern climates greater yields of fibre content are observed. In southern climates extended growing cycles are seen, resulting in a fair seed yield, good straw/biomass yield and flowers with elevated levels of CBD.
Santhica 27
Bred to produce large fibre yield, this variety grows best in Northern Europe in areas with higher humidity levels. Santhica 27 is not commonly harvested for seeds, so seed conducive humidity levels aren’t necessary. Additionally, flowers from Santhica 27 also contain significant CBG levels and low THC. While generally recommended for Northern Europe, Santhica 27 has also been cultivated in Spain.
Santhica 70 A variety dedicated to fibre yield, however, can produce some seed. Displays a larger geographical range than Santhica 27 and is usable in Southern Europe, as well as Northern Europe. Santhica 70 is low in the cannabinoid CBD. The outdoor production follows a medium-late cycle.
