RED-STEM MOLOKHIA SEEDS – RAU ĐAY THÂN ĐỎ

Grow a productive warm-season leafy green with Mai's Family Red-Stem Molokhia Seeds.

This heirloom, Non-GMO type of Corchorus olitorius is commonly known as Egyptian spinach, molokhia, jute mallow and rau đay. The plants produce green edible foliage with attractive red to reddish-purple pigmentation along the stems and leaf stalks.

This listing is for Corchorus olitorius Molokhia. It is not Red Malabar Spinach, Basella rubra.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• Heirloom Red-Stem Molokhia
• Non-GMO seeds
• Botanical name: Corchorus olitorius
• Vietnamese name: Rau Đay Thân Đỏ
• Warm-season annual leafy vegetable
• Green leaves with red or reddish-purple stems
• Suitable for repeated leaf harvesting
• Performs well during hot summer weather
• Suitable for gardens, raised beds and large containers
• One packet of seeds; live plants are not included

IMPORTANT COLOR INFORMATION

Red-Stem Molokhia is grown primarily for its green leaves and red-pigmented stems. The plant should not be expected to produce completely red foliage.

Stem and petiole coloration may range from red-green to reddish-purple or deeper red. Color intensity can vary among individual plants and may be influenced by sunlight, temperature, plant age and other growing conditions.

PLANT PROFILE

Common Name: Molokhia
Additional Names: Egyptian Spinach, Jute Mallow, Jute Leaf
Vietnamese Name: Rau Đay Thân Đỏ
Botanical Name: Corchorus olitorius
Plant Family: Malvaceae
Life Cycle: Annual
Plant Type: Leafy Vegetable
Growth Habit: Upright and Branching
Mature Height: Approximately 4–6 Feet When Allowed to Mature
Leaf Color: Green
Stem Color: Red to Reddish-Purple
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil Temperature for Planting: At Least 65°F
Soil Type: Fertile, Moist and Well-Drained
Preferred Soil pH: Approximately 6.0–7.0
Planting Depth: Very Shallow; Barely Cover Seeds
Plant Spacing: 2–3 Inches for Bunched Greens or 6–12 Inches for Continual Harvest
Row Spacing: Approximately 30–36 Inches
Days to Harvest: Approximately 40–60 Days
Container Suitable: Yes
Cold Tolerance: Frost Tender

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Plant after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least approximately 65°F.
2. Select a sunny location with fertile, well-draining soil.
3. Sow the small seeds very shallowly and barely cover them with fine soil.
4. Water gently to avoid washing away or deeply burying the seeds.
5. Keep the soil surface evenly moist during germination and early growth.
6. Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart for bunched greens or 6–12 inches apart for continual harvesting.
7. Water regularly to encourage tender leaves and productive regrowth.

IMPORTANT GERMINATION NOTE

Do not pour boiling or very hot water directly over Molokhia seeds. Excessive heat treatment may reduce germination.

Use warm soil, shallow planting and consistent surface moisture instead.

HARVESTING

Begin harvesting individual leaves and tender shoot tips at approximately 40 days, depending on temperature and growing conditions.

Cut tender shoots above lower leaf nodes to encourage branching and new growth. For bunched greens, plants are commonly ready approximately 40–60 days after planting.

Harvest regularly while the leaves and stems are young and tender. Mature stems become increasingly fibrous.

CULINARY USE

Molokhia is traditionally grown as a leafy vegetable in Vietnam, Egypt, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean and parts of Asia.

Young leaves may be used fresh or cooked. Chopped leaves develop a naturally silky, thickening texture when cooked and are traditionally added to soups and stews.

In Vietnamese cooking, rau đay is commonly used in vegetable soups. Seeds sold in this listing are intended for planting and should not be eaten.

COMMON GROWING CONCERNS

Weak Germination: Verify that the soil is warm, seeds are barely covered and the surface remains moist.

Slow Growth: Molokhia grows slowly during cool weather. Wait for consistently warm conditions before planting outdoors.

Tough Leaves: Harvest young leaves and tender shoot tips regularly.

Aphids or Beetles: Inspect young growth and the undersides of leaves.

Spider Mites: Monitor greenhouse plants and plants exposed to extended hot, dry conditions.

PACKAGE CONTENTS

• One packet of Red-Stem Molokhia seeds
• Seeds only
• Live plants, soil, containers and gardening supplies are not included

NATURAL SEED NOTICE

Seed germination and plant performance depend on temperature, moisture, soil, planting depth, light, seed storage and individual gardening practices.

Natural variation may occur in plant size, stem pigmentation, leaf shape and maturity. Germination of every individual seed cannot be guaranteed.

SAFETY NOTICE

Seeds are sold for planting and should not be eaten. Keep seeds away from children and animals. Properly identify and wash harvested foliage before culinary use.