It is possible to harvest the plant for plant fibers or seeds.The fibers and seeds can't be grown in the same crop because they mature at different times.If you plan on harvesting from it, make sure it's legal in your area.
Step 1: As the seeds start to develop, begin harvesting the fibers.
Look for seeds forming in groupings near the leaves.The male fibers die soon after the plants pollinate if you wait too long.Coarse fibers can be collected from mature stalks.It is difficult to harvest at the same time as the seeds mature.Decide what product you want to harvest from your plants.
Step 2: The stalks can be cut with a mower.
Make your cuts close to the base of the plant.You can cut down the stalks on your own if you have a small group.If you want to make uniform cuts at the same height, consider using a mower with a sickle-bar.Grains and tall stalks can be Harvested with curved blades.They can be purchased at a store.A sickle-bar is an attachment for a riding lawnmower or tractor with a row of blades to cut the stalks at the same height.A sickle-bar can be rented from a farm equipment store.
Step 3: For 5 weeks, leave the stalks in the field.
Put the stalks in a pile on the ground.You can separate the fibers from the rot on the outer layer of the stalks.Retting can take up to 5 weeks.The stem is held together by chemical bonds.Retting won't happen at temperatures below 41 F or above 104.Submerging the stalks in water can be done for 7 to 10 days.
Step 4: The stalks should be dry in a dry area.
Stand the stalks upright and keep them separate.To find out how much water is left in your plant, use a moisture meter.The meters are used to measure water levels in plants.
Step 5: Use a decorticator to break the stalks.
A decorticator is a machine that helps break off the dried pieces of the plant.Pass the dried stalks through the rollers of the machine.The rollers will collect the fibers on the other side of the stem.Decorticators can be rented from farming equipment stores.Caution should be used when operating heavy machinery.
Step 6: The crop is 16 weeks old.
Look for seeds that are not open near flowers.Feel the seed husks to see if they are soft.At this point in the season, most of the leaves are gone.Early October is when harvest occurs in the United States.There are different times when seeds on the same plant will mature.Some of the lower seeds may not be ready yet.When to harvest your plant is up to you.The leaves should be kept on the soil for compost.
Step 7: During dry, sunny weather, cut the tops of the plants.
Below the lowest grouping of seeds, make your cuts.The seeds should look like marbles.Just below the lowest seed husk, hold the top of the stem with your hands and slice through it.For larger commercial crops, combine with a dual-beam cutter.
Step 8: A tarp is laid down in aventilated area.
The tarp needs to be flat on the ground.There is a breeze and fresh air coming in if you keep a few windows open.In an open area, lay the tarp down on the ground.If you don't have a tarp, a clean bed sheet works.
Step 9: Thresh the seeds with a stick or bat.
Hold the end of the stem just below the lowest seed husk and use your dominant hand to hit the stalks with a stick.Each hit will cause the seeds to break.You need to collect the fallen seeds in the tarp.You can use a machine to thresher large crops.
Step 10: The seeds should be removed from 2 large buckets.
Put the seeds into a bucket.Slowly dump the seeds into the empty bucket if you hold the bucket above it.As you pour the seeds, the stem or husk will blow away.The process can be repeated 6 to 10 times.An industrial winnower can be used to save time and energy.If the area you are working in has poor air flow, point a fan at the buckets.
Step 11: The seeds should be stored in a 32 to 40 F area with low humidity.
Seal the container with a lid by pouring the seeds into it.The seeds should be kept in a large fridge or cool area.There is a chance that the dry storeroom will become germ-infested.If the moisture level is less than 12%, the seeds can be stored in sacks.