Egyptian Spinach Molokhia Seeds

Soak Egyptian Spinach seeds in hot water for a few minutes, then leave them at room temperature for 12 hours. This breaks dormancy and speeds up germination time noticeably. Direct sow Corchorus Olitorius seeds 1/4 inch deep in soil that's reached 75°F minimum; at that temperature, sprouts can appear in as little as 3 days, though 5–7 is the more reliable window. In short-season climates, start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost and transplant once nights stay consistently above 60°F. 

Molokhia Egyptian Spinach requires full sun for steady leaves growth. Molokhia tolerates a fairly wide range of soils, but loose, well-draining ground with organic matter would work the best. Water consistently through germination, then back off slightly — this crop handles short dry spells. Soggy roots in compacted clay is the main way people kill it, so if your soil drains poorly, it’s better to use raised beds or containers.

Start harvesting outer leaves or branch tips once plants hit about 12 inches tall. Regular cutting triggers branching and keeps fresh leaf production going all season. Stop harvesting and the plant bolts to flowers. Feed once a month with a balanced fertilizer, or work mature compost into the bed at planting time; use nitrogen as it drives that lush leafy growth. If plants get lanky mid-season, cut them back by a third — they recover quickly in warm conditions. In containers, use at least a 5-gallon pot per plant and expect to water more often than you would in-ground.