Sunn Hemp Seed

Sunn hemp is an annual, warm-season legume that is an excellent biomass producer. Known for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities and extreme drought tolerance, sunn hemp thrives in heat and can be sown on a wide range of soil types. This tropical legume can produce more than 5,000 lbs of dry matter per acre and 120 lbs of nitrogen per acre. It is not winter hardy, and a hard freeze will easily kill it, so it should be sown a minimum of nine weeks before the average date of the first fall freeze.

Benefits

• High Biomass Production: Can produce over 5,000 lbs of dry matter per acre.
• Nitrogen Fixation: Capable of fixing up to 120 lbs of nitrogen per acre, enriching the soil.
• Drought Tolerance: Extremely drought-tolerant, making it suitable for various climates.
• Heat Resilience: Thrives in hot conditions, ensuring robust growth during the summer.
• Versatile Planting: Can fill a niche between the harvest of a summer crop and the planting of a fall cash or cover crop.

Characteristics

• Type: Annual, warm-season legume.
• Planting Range: Early summer.
• Seeding Rate: Seed at 15-20 lbs/acre when planted alone, and 4-8 lbs/acre when used in mixes.
• Seeding Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of 3/4 inch to 1 inch.
• Soil Temperature: Should be planted when soil temperatures are greater than 65°F.
• Longevity: Not winter hardy and killed by a hard freeze.

Planting Instructions

• Seeding Rate: Seed at 40-50 lbs/acre with a cowpea type inoculant.
• Planting Time: Sow at least nine weeks before the average date of the first fall freeze.

Sunn hemp from Elk Mound Seed is an excellent choice for those looking to improve soil health through high biomass production and nitrogen fixation. Its adaptability to heat and drought conditions makes it a reliable and productive option for summer planting, enhancing soil fertility and structure for subsequent crops.

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