The Effect of Scarification on Corchorus Olitorius

Scarification

• After planting, Cochorus olitorius’ seeds take several months to break dormancy. The grower speeds up the process by scarifying the seed to allow moisture to reach the embryo. While there are several scarification methods commonly employed on seeds, C. olitorius seeds are small, so mechanical scarification is challenging. Scarify these seeds by wrapping them in a cloth bag, or several layers of cheesecloth, and pouring boiling water over them. Allow the seeds to soak in the water for 10 seconds, lay them out on a sheet of newspaper or paper towel and allow them to dry overnight. The boiling water softens the outer seed coat and allows moisture to penetrate.

Planting

• Direct seeding is typically carried out in hills, similar to the technique used when planting watermelon. Space the hills 2 to 4 inches apart, with three seeds per hill. When the seedlings are big enough to handle, thin to one plant per hill. C. olitorius may also be started in seed flat cells filled with sterile seed starting mix or peat moss. Plant three seeds per cell, ¼ inch deep. Thin the jute mallow seedlings to one per cell when they have their third set of leaves.

Care After Germination

• Grow the flat-grown seedlings in a shady spot and keep the soil moist at all times. The C. olitorius seedlings require a hardening off period before transplanting into the landscape. Move the flat to a sunny area and allow it to remain for three hours, then bring them back indoors. Increase the time they spend in the sun gradually over the next four days until they are in full sun. Plant the entire rootball, with soil intact, to the depth the seedlings are growing in the cells. Seeds sown directly require consistently moist soil as well. This helps them build strong roots.

Harvest

• There are two ways to harvest C. olitorius. Pick leaves as you need them by pinching off the entire shoot. This encourages the plant to branch, producing new shoots. Harvest the entire plant by pulling it from the soil and washing the soil from the roots. The leaves wilt quickly after harvesting, so keep them out of direct sun and as cool as possible. If you are growing the plant for seed, avoid harvesting the leaves. This allows the plant to flower and set seed pods.