Sunn Hemp (Crotalaria juncea) NEW

Description: Sunn Hemp (Crotalaria juncea) is a fast-growing tropical legume widely valued for its ability to rapidly produce large amounts of biomass and improve soil health. Originally from India, this hardy annual produces tall stems topped with bright yellow flowers and thrives in warm conditions with full sun. It is most commonly grown as a green manure crop, but has also been traditionally used for fibre production similar to hemp. With its deep taproot and vigorous growth, sunn hemp is capable of tolerating dry conditions while helping loosen compacted soils and drawing nutrients from deeper soil layers.

In a permaculture system, sunn hemp is considered one of the best quick-growing nitrogen-fixing support species for building fertile, living soil. It can be chopped and dropped as mulch to feed surrounding plants, suppress weeds, and increase organic matter in garden beds and food forests. Its rapid canopy growth also provides shade and protection for young plants while attracting pollinators with its vibrant flowers. Sunn hemp is especially useful in regenerative agriculture systems where soil repair, erosion control, and biomass production are priorities, making it an excellent companion plant for orchards, annual gardens, and tropical permaculture designs.