How to Plant Job’s Tears- A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing this Ancient Grain

How to Plant Job’s Tears: A Step-by-Step Guide

Job’s tears, also known as Coix lacryma-jobi, are a popular plant in many cultures, prized for their nutritious seeds and medicinal properties. These seeds are often used in traditional Chinese medicine, and the plant itself is valued for its ornamental qualities. If you’re interested in growing job’s tears, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

1. Choose the Right Location

Job’s tears thrive in warm, sunny conditions. They require full sun exposure to produce the best yields. Select a location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

2. Prepare the Soil

Job’s tears prefer well-draining, fertile soil. Before planting, ensure that the soil is loose and friable. You can achieve this by adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil structure and fertility.

3. Sow the Seeds

Job’s tears can be planted directly in the garden or started indoors as seedlings. If you choose to start them indoors, use a seed-starting mix and place the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist until germination, which typically takes 1-2 weeks.

If planting directly in the garden, sow the seeds about 1/2 inch deep and space them 1-2 inches apart. Be sure to water the seeds immediately after planting to help them settle into the soil.

4. Water and Fertilize

Job’s tears require consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

To promote healthy growth, fertilize the job’s tears with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the recommended dosage.

5. Care for the Plants

As the job’s tears grow, keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Common issues include spider mites, whiteflies, and fungal diseases. Treat these problems promptly with appropriate pest control methods or organic solutions.

Job’s tears can grow quite tall, so providing support such as stakes or trellises may be necessary to prevent the plants from falling over.

6. Harvest the Seeds

Job’s tears are ready for harvest when the seedpods turn brown and the seeds inside are firm. Wait until the pods dry on the plant before harvesting them. Gently twist the pods off the plant and allow them to dry completely in a warm, dry place.

Once the pods are dry, crack them open and remove the seeds. Job’s tears can be stored in a cool, dry place for future use.

In conclusion, growing job’s tears is a rewarding endeavor that requires careful attention to soil preparation, watering, and pest control. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a bountiful harvest of these nutritious and versatile seeds.