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Medium Maturing Kenaf Seed

   We are now out of medium maturing Whitten kenaf seeds. Harvesting this seed in the US as far as I know has not resulted in available seed supply.

   There are several good size growing operations in the US that imports this variety from Mexico and one has been known to import from China. Minimum orders of 1 ton are required. Email me for contact data if you are interested.

   Since my focus has been on seed supply provided by US growers we are now undertaking this firsthand with an Early Maturing variety NH-1 starting in 2023 growing season. We'll be doing this on 200 acres in 2 locations i.e. Texas and northern Michigan. As of this date only 400 pounds are available for sale (31 December 2022). Click on the Browse Store link at the bottom of this page to get yours while supply lasts.

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Planting Instructions for
MediumMaturingKenafSeed

    If you plan to be  growing for fiber  or wood  between latitudes 27N -34N you will need 15-20 pounds medium  maturation kenafseed  per acre. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in moist warm soil (60-70 degrees F 74 F is ideal). Plant seed 7 inches apart in rows with rows 7 inches apart. If you use a seed drill use plates for carrot size seed. Sprouting occurs in 2-4 days and seeds will need some moisture to get them started and for about 2 weeks after sprouting. 

    If you will be  growing Whitten for seed  between latitudes 27N - 34N you will need about 2 pounds of seed / acre. Recommendation for planting for seed harvest is 36 inches between plants in rows and rows 36 inches apart. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in moist warm soil  (60-70 degrees F 74 F is ideal).

 If you use a seed drill use plates for carrot size seed for all kenaf varieties including Whitten a MediumMaturingKenafSeed. Sprouting occurs in 2-4 days and seeds will need some moisture to get them started (about 2 weeks).

MediumMaturingKenafSeed
Fiber and Wood Core Yields

   Yields per acre are determined by several factors, and yield estimates are based on what we have experienced so far throughout the US with MediumMaturingKenafSeed.

   From the north to the deep south 6-10 tons / acre with 40% wood core and 60% fiber. These are estimated dry weights.

   Here are some factors we have seen affecting the yield.

1. Although kenaf is drought tolerant, rainfall has been seen to increase yield.

2. Optimum soil temp (in the top one inch of soil) has demonstrated increased germination and faster sprouting.

Weeds can affect growing rates and yields especially at the early stages of growth when the kenaf and weeds are competing for sunlight. Pre-emergent weed control may be needed for some locations.

4. Plant spacing has been seen to affect yield. Both too few seeds per / acre and also too many seeds / acre. We only recommend what we have seen so far that works best in most places.

5. Soil types will affect yield. Sandy soils may require additional irrigation input to establish plants that can fend for themselves once the root system reaches a point to support growth needs of water.

6. Hardpan clay or compacted soils have a different challenge and preparing the soil with key-line plowing  should be considered in the beginning year (s).

7. The number of grow days between first and last frost affect yield. Note: Once you see the kenaf begin to flower is the best time to harvest for fiber / core because at this time the plants stop growing and all their energy goes into producing seed.

Medium Maturing Kenaf Seed Wanted

   Because of the increase in demand for kenaf seed from around the world, I am looking for seed suppliers from each country. If you have 1 or more tons of early maturing kenaf seed for sale contact me bob@kenafpartnersusa.com with your quantity and country.