Scientific Name: Coix lacryma-jobi
Common Names: Job’s Tears, Tear Grass, Adlay, Coixseed
Description
Job’s Tears is a tall, tropical grass-like plant belonging to the Poaceae family, known for its distinctive, bead-like seeds. The plant can grow up to 3-6 feet tall, with broad, arching leaves similar to corn, and produces clusters of tear-shaped seeds in colors ranging from white and gray to brown and black. These seeds are hard, shiny, and often have a natural hole, making them ideal for stringing into jewelry. Native to Southeast Asia, Job’s Tears is valued for its ornamental, culinary, and medicinal uses.
Uses
Culinary:
Grains: The seeds of Job’s Tears are edible and used as a grain in many Asian countries. They are cooked like barley or rice and used in soups, porridges, and teas. The grain is slightly sweet, chewy, and nutritious, high in protein, fiber, and essential minerals.
Beverages: In some cultures, Job’s Tears are ground into flour and used in drinks, including teas and non-alcoholic beverages.
Medicinal:
Job’s Tears have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and digestive benefits. It is believed to help with conditions like arthritis, edema, and digestive disorders.
It is also considered a health food, often used to promote weight loss and improve overall health.
Ornamental and Craft:
The plant is grown ornamentally for its unique appearance and glossy seeds. The hard seeds are used to make jewelry, rosaries, decorative crafts, and accessories, thanks to their natural hole that makes stringing easy.
Growing Instructions
1. Climate and Soil Requirements:
Job’s Tears thrives in warm, humid climates and is frost-sensitive. It grows best in USDA zones 9-11 but can be grown as an annual in cooler climates.
The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils.
2. Planting:
Seeds: Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost date or start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost if growing in cooler climates.
Depth: Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and cover with soil.
Spacing: Space plants 12-24 inches apart in rows spaced 24-36 inches apart to allow for their tall growth.
3. Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the germination and early growth stages. Mature plants are relatively drought-tolerant but perform best with regular watering.
4. Fertilization:
Job’s Tears benefits from a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time. Additional feeding during the growing season can promote healthy growth and increased seed production.
5. Maintenance:
Staking: In windy areas, staking may be necessary to support the tall stalks and prevent them from falling over.
Pests/Diseases: Job’s Tears is generally pest-resistant but can occasionally attract common garden pests like aphids and spider mites. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap if necessary.
6. Harvesting:
Seeds: Harvest the seeds when they are mature and hard. The seeds typically turn from green to white, gray, or black as they mature. Cut the seed heads and dry them thoroughly before use.
Grains: For culinary use, remove the outer husk before cooking. Seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months.
7. Propagation:
Job’s Tears can self-seed if allowed to mature and drop seeds. Collect seeds in late summer or early fall for planting the next season.
8. Companion Planting:
Job’s Tears can be grown alongside other tall ornamental grasses or in the back of flower beds for height and texture. It does not have specific companion planting restrictions.