BEACON HEMP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can hemp be grown?
Hemp is now a federally legal crop in the United States.
What time of year should I plant?
Recommend early Summer for photoperiodic (short day) hemp varieties; however, this is planting density and location dependent.
Day neutral (autoflowers) hemp should be planted after the last frost, unless using low tunnels or other frost protection. Ideally, day neutral varieties should be planted when nightly lows are above 50°F and no lower than 45°F. Once established larger plants can withstand lower nightly temperatures during both vegetative and reproductive growth.
Should I direct seed or transplant?
Most farmers plant transplants when working with photoperiodic, feminized hemp seed. It is possible to successfully direct seed, a practice we most often see performed with day-neutral plantings. Proper ground preparation is important for both transplants and direct seeding, with direct seeding requiring even more attention to detail as it pertains to ground preparation, soil moisture content and temperature, and weather patterns during and shortly after seeding.
What density should I plant?
Planting density is based on planting timing, intended product from the crop, harvest and post-harvest strategies. Generally, early summer at 9 sq ft/plant for photoperiodic varieties and 2.25-4 sq ft/plant for day neutral (autoflowers). Mid spring planting for photoperiodic varieties can have the planting density lowered to 24 sq ft/plant, but larger plants are typically more expensive to grow and harvest.
When to have pre-harvest sampling for THC analysis done?
Some states are still operating under 2014 Farm Bill pilot program regulations that vary state by state, while others will be following the 2018 Farm Bill regulations and the USDA’s interim final hemp regulations. Pre-harvest THC testing should be done in accordance with local, state, and federal law. For regions requiring testing to be completed no earlier than 4 weeks prior to harvest, testing is typically conducted in late August to early September for photoperiodic varieties, and 2-3 weeks after visible bud for day neutrals (autoflowers). In states following the 15 day pre-harvest sampling interval from the USDA’s interim final regulations generally sampling will occur early to mid-September testing for the photoperiodic lines and 4-5 weeks following visible bud on the day neutral lines; it is recommended that farmers track cannabinoid development on at least once per weekly basis starting at visible bud.
What does CBD to THC ratio mean?
The CBD to THC ratio is the relatively fixed proportion of CBD and THC present in the plant at any given time. While this ratio can be altered by environmental conditions and cultural practices it is essentially a fixed value.
This ratio can be used to estimate Cannabinoid content as the plant matures. For example if a preharvest COA states Total THC at 0.10% and Total CBD at 3.2% (a 1:32 ratio), you can estimate a CBD concentration of 9.6% at 0.3% Total THC.
What sort of third-party quality assurance testing do you perform?
Each available seed lot is tested for germination rate and purity in accordance with the Federal Seed Act. Third party analysis is conducted for these tests, and the official report can be shared; however, the information is also provided on our seed label.
For feminized seed lots, we use third party PCR analysis to verify feminization rates of each seed lot.
Additionally, official preharvest THC certificate of analysis (COAs) and hemp cultivation permits are provided for each seed lot and can be submitted to your State’s industrial hemp program for variety approval.
All these reports are available to our customers, please contact us for copies.
Do you provide agronomic support?
Beacon will provide variety selection and planting recommendations for your region and hemp program. For more detailed agronomic support, we are happy to put farmers in contact with the world class agronomists that we utilize.
What is required to purchase seed?
Beacon requires a copy of the purchaser’s up-to-date hemp license, a signed material transfer agreement, and full payment for seed purchase.
What is the cost of hemp seed?
Beacon’s tiered pricing is dependent on purchasing volume and hemp type. Our pricing structure can be found here. For large volume orders please contact us for quote.
Can I multiply or breed with your seeds or genetics?
No, Beacon Hemp does not allow purchasers to propagate, multiply, or breed with Beacon’s seed. We require a signed material transfer agreement (MTA) prior to the shipment of any seed. A material transfer agreement expressly details the variety and amount of seeds being purchased as well as the acceptable uses for the seeds.
Do you sell sample packs?
No, we do not package seed in quantities of less than 100.
what is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Our minimum order quantity is 100 seeds per variety.
Do you offer volume discounts?
Yes, we offer competitive volume discounts. Please contact us directly via phone or email or fill out our Quote Request form with desired volume for each variety. Current pricing can be found here.
Can seed be reserved with a deposit?
Large volume orders can be reserved for a 25% deposit to hold seed until specified date. Please contact us to discuss reserving seed.
Are your hemp varieties registered for planting in texas?
Yes, all of Beacon’s hemp varieties are registered with the Texas Department of Agriculture and are approved for planting in the state of Texas. Variety names are listed on TDA’s website under approved hemp varieties.
how is seed shipped?
Upon payment seed is shipped via FedEx 2-day priority. We occasionally ship via UPS or USPS depending on current market rates for shipping. If you have a preferred carrier our would like to arrange for pick up or your own shipping please speak someone from the Beacon team.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do. We can ship via FedEx or DHL international, and can work with your customs broker on shipments. If you prefer to arrange your own shipping we are happy to accommodate. We require a copy of your import permit before processing your order. If your country has additional requirements, such as: ISTA purity analysis, pests and disease analysis, and/or phytosanitary certificate, please keep in mind these are performed on a PER ORDER basis and take time for the labs and Beacon to have completed. These tests and certificates are an additional cost to your order. The purchaser is responsible for letting us know what is required to have your order make it through customs, but we are more than happy to work closely with you to ensure a smooth shipment.
Do you offer aosca Certified Seed?
Yes, we currently have two AOSCA certified autoflower (day neutral) hemp varieties: Auto Blues and Auto Blunami. Each seed packet will have the blue AOSCA Certified Seed tag attached to each packet. To learn more about certified seed, please read our blog post.