A study on substrate alternatives found that substituting hemp hurd for peat in growing media produced similar growth and yield in a determinate tomato cultivar.Hurd is the short, lignified fibers from the inner core of the hemp (Cannabis sativa) stem. Hurd accounts for ∼70% of the stem, and it has long been considered a byproduct of the hemp industry.. Recent research demonstrated that hurd can substitute for peatmoss in potting media to grow bedding plants such as petunia, geranium. and shrubs and herbaceous perennials.
This finding suggests that hemp hurd can serve as an effective, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional peat, helping reduce reliance on nonrenewable resources in horticultural production.
The second study evaluates whether common dormancy-breaking treatments-cold moist stratification and acid scarification-improve germination of hemp seed. Results show that neither treatment significantly increases germination percentage or speed compared with untreated seed. These findings indicate that hemp seed generally does not exhibit strong dormancy requiring pretreatment and that standard germination practices are sufficient.These results provide growers with practical guidance, indicating that simpler germination approaches may be just as effective, streamlining propagation practices and saving time and resources.
These two studies examine practical aspects of hemp use in horticulture, from propagation to production inputs, and together highlight opportunities to streamline practices without sacrificing performance. Collectively, the articles emphasize efficient, low-input approaches to hemp-related horticulture, showing that unnecessary propagation treatments can be avoided and that hemp byproducts can be repurposed as sustainable alternatives to nonrenewable resources, supporting both economic and environmental sustainability in plant production systems.
Jessica Lubell-Brand is a professor of Horticulture in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Connecticut. Her research on cannabis is focused on seed production, micropropagation and polyploid breeding for the development of improved germplasm. Her work on native plants is focused on the identification and development of novel species as landscape plants and their propagation to broaden the palette of natives available to consumers.
Graduate students Carla Caballero Mejia and Michelle McDonald assisted with the research for these articles.
According to Dr. Lubell-Brand, "The research was inspired by the unpredictable challenges faced germinating cannabis seed and the search for alternative sustainable components for peat moss in container media. The hemp hurd research was supported by a USDA NESARE grant."
The full article can be read on the ASHS HortTech electronic Journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05594-24 and https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05722-25
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community-scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
