A green manure crop. Quick-maturing, with dense plant foliage, height up to one metre. Sowing rate 1 gram per sqare meter. Turn in prior to flowering.

An economical source of composting material and soil improver, as well as reducing weed establishment in ground that would otherwise remain empty.

Sow in situ March-September. The plant often self-sows.

Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position. Prefers a moist soil. The flowers are a rich source of nectar and is occasionally grown commercially as a crop for bees.