Fiber & Crops· Hibiscus cannabinus

Kenaf Growing Guide

A fast-growing annual Malvaceae producing both bast and core fiber. Increasingly used for paper pulp, biocomposites, oil absorbents, and animal bedding as a sustainable alternative to wood fiber.

How Long Does Kenaf Take to Grow?

Kenaf is typically ready to harvest about 120 days after planting.

120

Days to Harvest

1,410

kg/hectare

moderate

Water Needs

full sun

Sun Needs

Growing Conditions

Temperature

20-30°C optimal

Rainfall

500-1500 mm/year

Frost Tolerance

none

Drought Tolerance

moderate

Humidity

moderate tolerance

Heat Tolerance

high

Soil Requirements

Soil Type & pH

Best soil types: loam, sandy loam, clay loam

pH range: 6 - 7.5 (optimal: 6.8)

Drainage: good

Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)

Nitrogen (N)moderate

Phosphorus (P)moderate

Potassium (K)moderate

Planting Guide

Planting Methods

direct seeding

Planting Depth

3 cm

Plant Spacing

10 cm apart, 30 cm rows

Planting Season

late_spring, early_summer

Yield & Economics

Yield Range

1,180 - 1,530 kg/ha

Common Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

root-knot nematodes
aphids
whiteflies

Common Diseases

anthracnose
root rot
powdery mildew

Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.

Growing Tips

Kenaf grows up to 4 meters in 4-5 months -- one of the fastest biomass producers among annual crops.

Harvest at early flowering for highest fiber quality; delayed harvest increases lignification.

Kenaf is effective for phytoremediation, absorbing heavy metals from contaminated soils.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Kenaf take to grow?

Kenaf typically takes 120 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 5 days. The best planting season is late_spring, early_summer.

What soil does Kenaf need?

Kenaf grows best in loam, sandy loam, clay loam soil with a pH of 6-7.5. Good drainage is required.

What temperature does Kenaf need?

Kenaf grows best at 20-30°C. Frost tolerance: none. Heat tolerance: high.

What is the expected yield for Kenaf?

Across 3 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Kenaf range from 1,180 to 1,530 kg/hectare, with a median of 1,410. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management.