English name: Jews Mallow
Scientific name: Corchorus olitorius
Economic and nutritional importance:
Successful Molokhia cultivation hinges on warm and humid climates, with average temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius. The ideal window for planting is between the end of March and May. It's crucial to note that Molokhia is unsuitable for cold areas or low temperatures, underscoring the importance of timing in its cultivation.
The cultivation of the Molokhia plant begins at the beginning of March, as it is the appropriate time for planting. From there, the farmer searches for sufficient information about cultivation methods and treatments such as irrigation, fertilization, and control of disease and insect pests to ensure obtaining a good crop and high productivity. Therefore, information can be provided in this report.
Suitable dates for planting:
Molokhia is a versatile crop that can be grown from March until September. It thrives even in hot areas like the governorates of Qena, Luxor, and Aswan or under tunnels. With optimal temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, it can be grown on all lands, with a preference for loamy soils.
Preparing the land for agriculture
Preparing the land for Molokhia cultivation involves several key steps. First, plow the land and incorporate 20 cubic meters of organic fertilizer and 200 kg of superphosphate per feddan. Next, create small 3x3 beds or 80 cm wide terraces for planting. This meticulous preparation sets the stage for a successful Molokhia crop.
Seeds: An acre needs 20 to 25 kg of seeds in the feddan (4200 m2) for early planting and 10 to 15 kilograms at appropriate times. The planting process involves scattering the seeds and covering them with a light layer of soil in the case of soft or sandy soil, followed by irrigating the land.
Fertilization methods for Molokhia:
Nitrogen: Added at a rate of 100 kg per feddan (4200 m2) of ammonia nitrate fertilizer, then added 20 to 25 days after planting.
Potassium: 25 kg per feddan (4200 m2), added 20 to 25 days after planting. If several cuttings are taken from the crop, fertilization is done at the same rate in each cutting. The harvest is done at 60 to 70 days of age, and the other cuttings are done after a month.
Insect and disease pests that affect mallow:
Diseases and insect pests affecting Molokai include the cotton leaf worm, leafhopper, and aphids, which can be controlled with recommended pesticides.
Molokhia harvest:
1. Cut the stem at a distance of 15 cm from the ground. The plant will be transplanted again, at least twice. Prune each plant once every three weeks.
2. Cut only the side shoots, leave the main stem intact, and continue harvesting the side shoots that emerge again.
3. Harvest the entire plant by pulling it from the root. Then, plant new seeds in its place.
If you want a continuous supply of mallow (for about two months), sow your seeds every week at a rate of three seeds.
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After planting the Molokhia in March and April, two cuttings are taken from it, and the plants are left until they flower in May and June and form pods. They are collected in September and October after they mature and before they are scorched to prevent the seeds from sprouting. Then they are transferred to the garden and remain until they dry, hammer, thresh, clean, package, and store in well-ventilated places. One feddan (4200 m2) gives 100 kg of seeds.