Job's Tears

Scientific Name

Coix lacryma-jobi

Description

Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) is a unique and versatile plant belonging to the grass family, Poaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and parts of Africa and is often found in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is notable for its distinctive, tear-shaped seeds, which have been used in various cultural traditions and crafts, including jewelry-making.

Job's Tears is a perennial grass that can grow up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall. It features long, narrow leaves that can reach lengths of about 30 centimeters (12 inches). These leaves are typically bright green and can provide a lush backdrop in gardens. The plant produces flowering spikes that produce clusters of grain-like seeds, which are usually harvested when they are still green.

The seeds are edible and have been used in traditional medicine and as food, often found in Asian cuisines in dishes like soups and desserts. Additionally, Job's Tears is celebrated for its potential health benefits, which may include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

In terms of cultivation, Job's Tears thrives in well-draining soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It's relatively drought-resistant but benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells. The plant is often grown for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscapes due to its striking appearance and structural qualities.

Overall, Job's Tears is an attractive and functional plant that can add both beauty and utility to a garden, making it appealing for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Where it Grows

When to Plant

When to Plant Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi)

Job's Tears, also known as adlay millet, is a resilient and attractive plant often grown for its distinctive tear-shaped seeds, which can resemble natural beads. Timing your planting is crucial to ensuring a successful crop. Here are some guidelines on when to plant Job's Tears:

Climate Considerations

1. Temperature: Job's Tears thrive in warm climates, ideal for growth when daytime temperatures range between 70°F and 90°F (21°C to 32°C). The seeds require soil temperatures to be at least 60°F (15°C) to germinate effectively.

2. Frost-Free Period: Plant after the last frost date in your region. Job's Tears are sensitive to freezing temperatures, and the risk of frost can halt growth and damage young plants.

Growing Seasons

1. Spring Planting: In many regions, the best time to plant Job's Tears is in the spring, typically around 2-4 weeks after the last frost date. This timing allows the plant to take advantage of the entire growing season, leading to optimal flowering and seed production.

2. Summer Planting: If you are in a region with a longer growing season, you may also consider a late spring or early summer planting. However, you must ensure that the seeds have enough time to mature before the first fall frost.

Preparing the Soil

Regardless of when you choose to plant, proper soil preparation is key. Job's Tears prefer well-draining, loamy soil and benefit from the addition of organic matter, such as compost, to promote healthy growth. Testing soil pH is also a good practice; aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

Conclusion

In summary, the optimal time to plant Job's Tears is in the spring, after the last frost, and when soil temperatures are warm enough. With the right conditions, your plant can flourish, delivering its unique seeds and adding beauty to your garden space. Always keep local climate conditions in mind, as variability can affect the specific timing in your area.

How to Plant

Planting Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi)

Job's Tears, known for its distinct, tear-shaped seeds and lush, ornamental grass-like foliage, are a versatile addition to the garden. When planting these perennial grains, it's important to consider both timing and method for optimal growth.

Timing: The best time to plant Job's Tears is in the spring, after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach about 65°F (18°C) or higher. This allows the seeds to germinate effectively and establish strong roots.

Site Selection: Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Job's Tears thrive in well-draining soil, which can be sandy or loamy. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (5.5 to 7.0).

Planting Method: Start by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours to enhance germination. Plant them about 1 inch deep, spacing seeds 12 to 24 inches apart, as they can grow tall and bushy. Water them gently to avoid displacing the seeds and keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, usually in 2 to 3 weeks.

Care: Once established, Job's Tears require moderate water and can tolerate some drought. Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer can encourage robust growth and seed production.

Watering

Job's Tears, or Coix lacryma-jobi, thrives in moist conditions, making a careful watering strategy essential. The best approach is to consistently keep the soil damp but not soggy, as it prefers well-draining soil. During the growing season, typically in spring and summer, water the plant regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This promotes healthy root growth while preventing root rot.

In cooler months, when the plant's growth slows down, gradually reduce the frequency of watering. Always check for excess water in the saucer beneath the pot and empty it out to ensure the roots are not sitting in water. Additionally, to promote healthy growth, consider using a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. This combined strategy of consistent yet mindful watering supports lush foliage and encourages the formation of its distinctive seeds.

Pruning

Pruning a Job's Tears plant, scientifically known as Coix lacryma-jobi, is essential to maintain its health and promote growth. The best strategy involves timing and technique. Prune during the early spring, just before the growing season, to encourage new growth and flowering. Start by removing dead or damaged leaves to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Also, trim back overly long stems to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage bushier growth. Focus on cutting above a leaf node, as this encourages new shoots to develop. Avoid heavy pruning, as Job's Tears plants thrive best when some foliage is left intact for photosynthesis. Regularly assess your plant throughout the growing season and perform small, maintenance trims as necessary to ensure it remains healthy and robust. With these pruning strategies, your Job's Tears can flourish beautifully.

Weeding

Weeding around Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi), an ornamental grass known for its unique seed heads, requires careful attention to avoid damaging the plant. The best strategy involves a combination of manual and preventive methods. Regularly inspect the area for weeds, ideally doing so when the soil is moist. This not only makes it easier to pull out weeds but also minimizes disturbance to Job's Tears' roots. Use a hand tool for precision, ensuring to remove the entire root of the weed to prevent regrowth. Mulching around the base of the plant can also help suppress weeds by blocking sunlight and retaining moisture. It’s beneficial to weed early in the growing season when weeds are small and hence easier to manage. Lastly, keeping a consistent maintenance schedule, especially after rains, will help keep weeding efforts effective, maintaining a healthy environment for Job's Tears to thrive.

Mulching

When mulching Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) plants, the primary goal is to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature. Start with an organic mulch such as straw, wood chips, or grass clippings, which can also improve soil fertility as they decompose. Apply a layer of mulch approximately 2 to 4 inches thick around the base of the plants, ensuring it does not touch the stems to prevent rot and pest issues. It’s best to mulch after the soil has warmed up in spring, just before the growing season begins, and to refresh the mulch after heavy rains or as it decomposes. Monitor moisture levels beneath the mulch, especially during dry spells, as Job's Tears prefer consistently moist soil. This method not only supports healthy growth but also helps maintain the aesthetic quality of your garden.

Fertilizing

Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) benefits from a balanced fertilization approach to promote healthy growth and seed production. The best strategy is to use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formulation, applied at half the recommended strength. Fertilization should occur during the growing season, typically from spring to early summer, when the plant is actively growing. It's advisable to apply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, ensuring that it is well-watered in to prevent root burn.

Additionally, incorporating organic matter like compost into the soil at the beginning of the growing season can improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients. It's crucial to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of seed production. Monitoring the plant's health and adjusting the fertilization regimen based on its response will help achieve optimal results.

Varieties

Job's Tears (Coix lacrima-jobi) is a tropical grass known for its unique tear-shaped seeds that have been used in traditional medicine, jewelry-making, and crafts. Various cultivars and varieties of Job's Tears can be recognized based on their growth habits, seed color, or applications.

The most common varieties include:

1. Wild Job's Tears (Coix lacrima-jobi var. lacrima-jobi): This is the wild, unaltered form of the plant. It typically features tall stalks and the characteristic tear-shaped seeds in their natural state, often found in marshy areas.

2. Bitter Job's Tears (Coix lacrima-jobi var. ma-yu): This variety is known for its high content of coixenolide, a compound believed to have medicinal properties. It is often grown for its seed, which has a distinct bitter taste and is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.

3. Sweet Job's Tears (Coix lacrima-jobi var. mayssuri): This variety is cultivated for its more palatable seeds. The seeds are sweet and can be used in various culinary applications, making it popular in regions where the plant is grown for food.

4. Variegated Job's Tears: This ornamental variety showcases attractive foliage with white or cream streaks along the green leaves. It is primarily grown for aesthetic purposes in gardens and landscapes.

5. Dwarf Job's Tears: This variety is a shorter version of the plant, making it suitable for smaller gardens or container gardening. It maintains the same distinctive seeds but has a compact growth habit.

6. Himalayan Job's Tears (Coix lacrima-jobi var. himalayana): Found in the Himalayan region, this variety may have adaptations that make it more resilient to cooler climates, though it is less commonly cultivated than its tropical relatives.

These varieties reflect the diversity within the Job's Tears plant, highlighting its significance not only as an ornamental addition to gardens but also as a resource for food and traditional healing. Understanding the differences between the varieties can aid gardeners and hobbyists in selecting the right type for their specific needs and growing conditions.

Nutritional Composition (per 100g)

Nutrient	Amount per 100g	% Daily Value
Calories	348 kcal	17%
Protein	9.5 g	19%
Total Fat	3.1 g	5%
Saturated Fat	0.5 g	3%
Carbohydrates	75.8 g	25%
Dietary Fiber	7.2 g	29%
Sugars	0.5 g	-
Iron	3.0 mg	17%
Calcium	6 mg	1%
Magnesium	48 mg	12%
Phosphorus	77 mg	11%
Potassium	272 mg	8%
Zinc	2.2 mg	15%
Thiamin (B1)	0.33 mg	22%
Riboflavin (B2)	0.07 mg	4%
Niacin (B3)	1.2 mg	6%
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg	10%
Folate (B9)	7 µg	2%
Vitamin E	0.3 mg	2%

Health Benefits

Job's Tears, scientifically known as Coix lacryma-jobi, is a versatile plant widely recognized for its health and wellness applications in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian cultures. The grains, often referred to as "tears," are rich in dietary fiber, providing digestive benefits by promoting regular bowel movements and alleviating constipation. Additionally, they are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, making them valuable for soothing ailments such as arthritis or skin irritations.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Job's Tears are used to disperse heat and dampness, and support the respiratory system, often consumed in teas and soups for their purported ability to alleviate coughs and colds. The seeds of the plant have also been noted for their diuretic effects, helping to flush out toxins and excess fluids from the body.

Job's Tears are sometimes utilized for their potential weight loss benefits, as high-fiber grains can promote feelings of fullness. Furthermore, they are considered a nutritious addition to meals, offering a gluten-free alternative for those with gluten sensitivities, contributing to a balanced diet. Overall, Job's Tears are cherished not only for their nutritional value but also for their holistic health benefits, making them a popular choice among health-conscious individuals.

Fun Facts

• Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) are named for their unique, tear-shaped seeds, which have been used in traditional jewelry and crafts, resembling small pearls.
• The plant is often grown as an ornamental grass due to its attractive arching foliage and distinctive seed heads, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.
• Historically, Job's Tears have been used in traditional medicine in various cultures, attributed with properties to help with ailments like inflammation and digestive issues.
• The seeds of Job's Tears can be cooked and eaten as a grain, serving as a gluten-free alternative in various cuisines, particularly in Asia.
• This versatile plant is not only cultivated for its aesthetic appeal and nutritional value but also plays a role in erosion control due to its strong root system.