Square white plate with a cup of cooked molokhia greens and three wedges of cornbread, over a stack of molokhia leaves.

How To Grow Molokhia Seeds

Updated on Dec 19, 2023
By Baillie Blankenship

Molokhia (Corchorus olitorius), once known as Jute Mallow or Jew’s Mallow, is a delicious green cultivated throughout the Middle East and Africa. The big, tender leaves are a delicious, nutritious green that have a reputation for helping digestion. They can be eaten fresh, added to salads, and used in cooked dishes. Dried leaves are also added to soups and side dishes.


HISTORY

Molokhia most likely originated in either Southeast Asia or Africa.  Presently, Molokhia is a widely cultivated green throughout the Middle East and Africa.

USES

  • Culinary.
  • Source of jute fiber for cordage and cloth.

Molokhia leaves below a plate with three wedges of cornbread and a bowl of cooked molokhia


 

  • Can be cold stratified 4-6 weeks.
  • Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost.
  • Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. 
  • Ideal soil temperature for germination is 75-85 F.
  • Sprouts in 14-21 days.
Small molokhia plant in a wooden potSmall molokhia plant in a wooden pot

 

  • Transplant outdoors after the last spring frost.
  • Choose a location in full sun with fertile, well-draining soil.
  • Space plants 12-24" apart.
  • Harvest individual leaves or cut branches and strip the leaves from the stems.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Molokhia is sensitive to being transplanted. Be gentle with the seedlings. Water regularly; lack of water may cause bolting.
Bright green molokhia plant in wooden pot with two leaves on a plain grey backgroundBright green molokhia plant in wooden pot with two leaves on a plain grey background

 

  • Allow seed pods to fully mature on the plant. They will be brown and dry when ready.
  • Open the pods to collect and save seeds.
  • Store in a cool, dry, and dark place until you are ready to plant.
Bright green molokhia leaves on flat surfaceBright green molokhia leaves on flat surface