How to Grow Molokhia
Molokhia is a flowering plant with many varieties, ranging from 40 to 100 types. The length of the molokhia stems varies, and the main purpose of growing this plant is to use its green leaves, either fresh or dried, which are commonly used in the famous molokhia dish in the Levant, Egypt, as well as in Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Sudan. The flowers of the molokhia plant are small and yellow, containing many seeds. Molokhia belongs to the linden family.
How to Grow Molokhia
Molokhia plants need a warm climate with temperatures ranging between 25-30°C. It cannot be grown in extremely cold areas, as it cannot withstand cold or frost, and it does not sprout in such climates.
Soil Suitable for Growing Molokhia
Molokhia can be grown in all types of soil, but for a good harvest, it is recommended to plant it in heavy or moderately heavy soil.
Fertilizing the Soil for Molokhia
The soil for growing molokhia should be fertilized with organic or chemical fertilizers. Molokhia requires more nitrogen than other elements. The soil should be fertilized with organic fertilizer before planting, and chemical fertilizers should be applied after each harvest.
Amount of Seeds
Molokhia seeds can be planted either in protected beds, open beds, or greenhouse settings by scattering the seeds on rows to facilitate irrigation using drip irrigation. The irrigation pipes should be close to each other to ensure full watering. Each dunum (1000 square meters) requires 2.5 to 3 kilograms of molokhia seeds.
Irrigating Molokhia
Molokhia should be watered continuously, depending on the type of soil and climate. It should never be left dry to ensure good growth and high-quality leaves, leading to a great harvest.
Harvesting Molokhia
The molokhia harvest begins three months after planting, in cooler seasons, when the plant reaches the appropriate height. In warmer seasons, it can be harvested after a month and a half. The leaves are then bundled together by their stems and sold, or the leaves can be collected and packed into bags for sale. You can get about 4 to 6 harvests per season.
