Coix Lacryma-jobi Seeds - Job's Tears Ornamental Grass Seed

Coix Seeds

Grass Specifications

Season: Perennial

USDA Zones: 9 - 10

Height: 36 - 48 inches

Width: 24 inches

Foliage Color: Green

Soil Requirement: Moist, pH 6.1 - 7.8

Environment: Full sun to partial shade

Deer Resistant: Yes

Latin Name: Coix Lacryma-jobi

Planting Directions

Temperature: 70F

Average Germ Time: 14 - 28 days, soak seed overnight in warm water before planting

Light Required: Yes

Depth: 1/4 inch

Sowing Rate: 2 - 3 seeds per plant

Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination occurs

Plant Spacing: 10 - 12 inches

Job's Tears (Coix Lacryma-jobi) - For an interesting ornamental grass, try starting Cois seeds and enjoy this attractive grass that is known for its seeds. Commonly called Job's Tears grass, Coix is a perennial grass only in climate zones 9 and 10, and it is grown as an annual in the cooler zones. Ornamental grasses provide their own unique beauty to the landscape and Job's Tears is no exception with its slender, ribbon-like leaves and spikes of teardrop-like seeds. The plant is well known for the seeds that are natural beads and have been used for centuries to create jewelry and rosaries. Coix grass is native to Asia and is found along roadsides as well as cultivated for the grain that is edible and used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Grow these ornamental grass seeds and experience first hand the beauty and uniqueness of this Coix plant!

Natural Beads!

The seeds produced by this plant are essentially small, natural beads.

Natural Beads!

Unique Foliage Plant

How to Grow

It is recommended to start these seeds indoors before transplanting outdoors. To do so, first soak the seeds in water overnight to prep them. Then sow into peat pots at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Sow 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow 2-3 seeds per plant, and keep them moist but not wet until germination. Under proper conditions, germination will occur in 2-4 weeks. Once seedlings are established, they can be transplanted directly outdoors if temperatures are staying above 45F degrees. Plant in rich, well-draining soil and water regularly.

  • Environment: full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: well-drained w' pH 6.1-7.8
  • Sowing rate: 2-3 seeds per plant
Unique Foliage Plant

Plant Specifications

Coix (commonly known as Job's Tears) is a perennial decorative grass that grows in USDA zones 9 through 10. It is most well-known for producing seeds that are natural beads which have been used in jewelry making for centuries.

  • Foliage color: green
  • Plant height: 36-48 inches
  • Plant width: 24 inches