Jute
Corchorus olitorius
An upright, branching herbaceous plant featuring alternate, serrated, ovate-to-lanceolate green leaves with prominent veins and small stipules at the base of the leaf stalks.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water
- Moderate watering needs. Keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between watering sessions.
- Growth
- An erect, herbaceous annual plant growing rapidly to a height of 2 to 4 meters with a relatively narrow spread.
Care instructions
Provide full sun with at least six to eight hours of direct light daily. Water consistently to maintain evenly moist soil, avoiding waterlogged conditions. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every four weeks during the active growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Moderate watering needs. Keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between watering sessions.
Soil
Rich, loamy, well-draining soil with an optimal pH range between 6.0 and 7.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11, typically grown as an annual in temperate climates.
Growth habit
An erect, herbaceous annual plant growing rapidly to a height of 2 to 4 meters with a relatively narrow spread.
Bloom season
Flowers appear in late summer to autumn, producing small, yellow, five-petaled blossoms.
Propagation
Propagated easily from seeds sown directly in warm soil after the last spring frost.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Common pests include aphids and spider mites, which can be managed with insecticidal soap.
Similar species
Other species within the genus Corchorus, such as Corchorus capsularis, which can be distinguished primarily by rounder seed capsules rather than elongated ones.