Job's Tears, scientifically known as Coix lacryma-jobi, is a perennial grass native to regions including Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light to medium soil types, including clay, and requires full sun exposure. Growing up to 1 meter tall, Job's Tears is both edible and medicinal, with its seeds commonly used for culinary purposes and in traditional medicine. The distinctive feature of this plant is its grain-like seed, which resembles small tears, hence the common name. Native to Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia, Job's Tears has been introduced to various regions such as Algeria, Argentina, Austria, and beyond, making it a versatile and widely distributed plant. Its seeds are particularly valued for their culinary and medicinal properties, making Job's Tears an important crop in many cultures. The plant's seeds can be used to make coffee and tea, and are also used in crafting, animal feed, and weaving material. While Job's Tears is generally safe, caution should be exercised when using it for medicinal purposes, as it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Job's Tears, scientifically known as Coix lacryma-jobi, is a perennial grass native to regions including Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light to medium soil types, including clay, and requires full sun exposure.
Job's Tears is a forgiving plant for beginners, making it an excellent choice for your first gardening project.
Seeds or seedlings, a container with drainage holes, potting soil.
Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).
Use well-draining soil. Containers should be at least 30 cm (12 inches) deep.
Direct sow seeds 2-3 cm (1 inch) deep, or start seedlings indoors and transplant when they have several leaves.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot to encourage growth.
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly every few months with compost.
Prune dead leaves and stems to maintain plant health. Harvest seeds when they turn brown.
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight.
Plants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Poaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
Continue reading
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.