Molokhia (jute mallow) Corchorus olitorius
Molokhia (jute mallow) (Corchorus olitorius) is an annual vegetable in the Malvaceae family, native to Tropical Africa and Asia (origin uncertain). It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Molokhia (jute mallow) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–13 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 60 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: young leaves and shoots (slimy when cooked) |
| Native to | Tropical Africa and Asia (origin uncertain) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Molokhia (jute mallow) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: seeds
Seeds contain cardiac glycosides; eat leaves only.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Molokhia (jute mallow)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Molokhia (jute mallow)
- How far apart should I plant Molokhia (jute mallow)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Molokhia (jute mallow) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Molokhia (jute mallow) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Molokhia (jute mallow)?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Molokhia (jute mallow) flower?
- About 9–13 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Molokhia (jute mallow) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people moderately toxic. Seeds contain cardiac glycosides; eat leaves only.
- What grows well with Molokhia (jute mallow)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Molokhia (jute mallow). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
Notes and assumptions
- The green soup of Egypt and the Levant; cut-and-come-again leaves from about 6 weeks after sowing in heat.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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