Oniyaya Molokhia recipe in a bowl with leaves in a vase.
Oniyaya Molokhia recipe in a bowl with leaves surrounding it.
A close-up of Oniyaya Molokhia leaf with a chili and garlic on a white background.
Oniyaya Molokhia recipe in a bowl with leaves in a vase.
Oniyaya Molokhia recipe in a bowl with leaves surrounding it.
A close-up of Oniyaya Molokhia leaf with a chili and garlic on a white background.

Molokhia Seeds,
Oniyaya

SKU: #HB362Min. seed count: 30
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Description

A distinctive Nigerian variety of Corchorus olitorius, valued for its striking, toothed, maple-shaped leaves that give the plant a beautiful, tree-like appearance and its ability to thrive in hot, humid climates. Known locally as Oniyaya, it’s a staple in traditional dishes, adding an okra-like silkiness to soups and stews. Both ornamental and productive, this variety is celebrated in African food culture and documented in R.R. Schippers’ Indigenous Vegetables of Africa.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Corchorus olitorius
Life Cycle
Annual
Days to Germinate
2–3
Days to Maturity
50–60
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
12–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
62–82°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Start Oniyaya indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Soak the seed first in hot water, brought to a boil and then taken off the heat, letting it stand overnight; then sow 1/4 inch deep at a soil temperature of 75-85 F, and sprouts will appear in about 2 to 3 days. Transplant outdoors after the last spring frost into full sun with fertile, well-draining soil, spacing plants 12 to 24 inches apart - be gentle, as molokhia resents being transplanted. Water regularly, since a lack of water may cause bolting, and start harvesting leaves at 50 to 60 days.

How to Sow and Plant

  • 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.

How to Grow

  • 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.

How to Save Seeds

  • 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.

FAQ

What makes Oniyaya look different from other molokhia?

Its striking, toothed, maple-shaped leaves, which give the plant a beautiful, tree-like appearance. It is both ornamental and productive.

How is it used in the kitchen?

This distinctive Nigerian variety of Corchorus olitorius is a staple in traditional dishes, adding an okra-like silkiness to soups and stews. It is celebrated in African food culture and documented in R.R. Schippers' Indigenous Vegetables of Africa. You can harvest individual leaves or cut branches and strip the leaves from the stems.

Will it handle a hot, humid summer?

Yes — it is valued for its ability to thrive in hot, humid climates. It is a warm-season annual and is not frost hardy. Water regularly, since a lack of water may cause bolting.
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