Hibiscus cannabinus KENAF (10 seeds)

Kenaf, also known as Deccan hemp, is a fast-growing, perennial, and prickly herbaceous plant. It measures approximately 2 meters in height and belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, Central America, and tropical regions of Africa.

The leaves of this textile hibiscus are alternate, palmate-lobed, dark green in color, and have a slightly rough texture. They measure on average 10 to 12 cm in length.

Its flowers are large and attractive, with petals that are yellow, cream, or sometimes reddish. Flowering generally takes place during the warm months, and the flowers remain in bloom throughout the day.

The fruits of this exotic plant are elongated capsules that usually contain several seeds.

Kenaf seeds from Hibiscus cannabinus are gray, very robust, triangular in shape, and measure 6 millimeters in length.

- Uses:

A Historical Resource

Cultivated in Egypt for over 3,000 years, it is an ancestral fibrous plant.
Long and resistant fibres are extracted from its stems, particularly suited to the manufacture of ropes, burlap, and technical textiles.

Industrial Applications

Beyond textiles, the seeds of this plant produce a versatile vegetable oil.
It is used in major sectors as a biodegradable industrial lubricant, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products.

The "Plant of the Future" and Ecology

Nicknamed the "plant of the future", it is generating growing interest for its environmental benefits.
Its rapid growth and exceptional ability to capture CO2 make it a strategic lever for the production of biomaterials, eco-friendly paper pulp, and thermal insulation panels.

Scientific Interest and Sustainable Development

It is at the heart of numerous research projects aimed at replacing plastics with bio-based composites.
Its cultivation requires few chemical inputs and low amounts of water, making it a model of sustainable development for tomorrow's agriculture.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The best period to sow Deccan hemp is from the end of May, when temperatures begin to warm up above 15°C.
• Soak the seeds for 12 hours in lukewarm water to break their dormancy.
• Sow them in 10 x 10 cm pots using fine potting soil.
• Cover them with a few millimeters of substrate.
• Water the culture gently by spraying.
• Place the pots in a greenhouse in a warm, humid location where the temperature does not drop below 27°C. Germination generally takes between 4 and 6 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

It grows in a well-drained substrate rich in organic matter as well as minerals. Adding compost or well-decomposed manure during planting can improve soil fertility and, consequently, plant growth.

- Exposure / Light:

This variety of textile hemp requires full sun exposure to reach its growth potential. It can be grown outdoors in warm regions or in a greenhouse in cooler climates.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

It grows very well when temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C. It can tolerate slightly higher temperatures, but frost can be fatal. It is recommended to plant this frost-sensitive species only after the last winter frost. Its USDA hardiness zone is 10.

- Watering / Irrigation:

Hibiscus cannabinus needs a constant supply of water, especially during periods of active growth. Regular watering every two days is essential.

- Reproduction / Multiplication:

There are two effective ways to reproduce it: either by seed or by taking 15 cm stem cuttings during the summer period.

This article was written by Julien on 07/08/2026.