Sunn hemp
Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea)
Nutrients & rotation
Warm-season N-fixer with tall stems — useful after corn or melons pulled in August where fall frosts come late enough to justify a second act.
Tropical legume: treat as a summer cover where frost ends the stand cleanly; check local legality — a few states restrict seed.
In the garden
- Inoculate with cowpea-type inoculant if available.
- Chop before woody; incorporate or mulch in place for spring beds.
Timing
Sow after soil is thoroughly warm; needs ~60–90 frost-free days for payoff.
Caveats
- Verify seed legality in your state; seeds are toxic to livestock — not a concern for typical veg beds but worth knowing.