Sun Hemp
Crotalaria junceafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. AB99 — Crotalaria juncea
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IOverview
Overview
Sun Hemp (Crotalaria juncea) is an annual forb or herb that thrives in full sun and a wide range of soils from light sandy to heavy clay, with a pH between 5 and 8.4. Native to Afghanistan, Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, East Himalaya, India, Laos, Myanmar, it has been cultivated for its edible flowers and leaves across much of South and Southeast Asia. This plant is known for its ornamental value as well, adding height and texture to gardens at up to 1.6 meters in height. Its adaptability makes Sun Hemp a versatile choice for various growing conditions.
Quick answers
What is Sun Hemp?
Sun Hemp (Crotalaria juncea) is an annual forb or herb that thrives in full sun and a wide range of soils from light sandy to heavy clay, with a pH between 5 and 8.4.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sun Hemp thrives in full sun and requires moist but well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is an annual plant reaching up to 1.6 meters in height and is suitable for cultivation in temperate regions with hardiness zones of 10-12. For best results, use a soil pH between 5 and 8.4. Propagate Sun Hemp through seeds, which can be sown directly into the garden once the threat of frost has passed. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.6 m tall
Soil pH
5–8.4
For first-time growers
How to grow Sun Hemp for the first time
8steps
Sun Hemp is a straightforward annual plant for beginners, perfect for those new to gardening.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a garden fork, compost, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late spring after the last frost, when soil temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Amend heavy or clay soils with compost.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep, spacing them about 30 cm apart. Alternatively, start seedlings indoors and transplant after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering during dry spells, especially when flowers appear. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushier plants. Harvest leaves and flowers for use in cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:BiomassFiberFire starterCover cropPest controltextilesWeaving materialNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 18 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 18 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 12 native· 18 introduced
Asia10 regions
native (9)AfghanistanBangladeshCambodiaIndiaLaosMyanmarPakistanThailandVietnam
introduced (1)Taiwan
Americas4 regions
introduced (4)Dominican RepublicGuyanaHaitiJamaica
Africa7 regions
introduced (7)Burkina FasoEthiopiaGabonGhanaGuinea-BissauTogoUganda
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)Fiji
Broader regions
native:West Himalaya, East Himalaya
introduced:Brazil West-Central, Brazil Southeast, Brazil South, Brazil Northeast, Gulf of Guinea Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · ab99f972-8928-4bb5-abd5-fc9baf3ecfbb
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