Ulam Raja King's Salad (Edible Cosmos)

Cosmos caudatus

BOTANICAL SAMPLE Packed for 2025

Approximately 25 seeds per packet

Origins: Ulam Raja, also known as King’s Salad or Java Cosmos, is native to tropical Central America, especially Mexico. Though originally from the Americas, it has become deeply rooted in Southeast Asian culinary and medicinal traditions, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia. The name "Ulam Raja" means "king's salad" in Malay, reflecting its esteemed role in traditional diets. Also known as 'kenikir' in Indonesia.

Appearance and Characteristics: This fast-growing annual herb reaches heights of 3 to 6 feet and develops a bushy, upright habit. Its feathery, deeply divided green leaves emit a pleasant citrusy-pine aroma when crushed. The stems are slender and sometimes purplish, while the plant produces small, daisy-like pink to purple flowers similar in appearance to common cosmos. These blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding ornamental value to edible gardens.

Culinary Uses: Ulam Raja is primarily used raw in traditional Malaysian and Indonesian salads known as "ulam." The young leaves offer a unique flavor that is slightly peppery with citrus undertones, making them an excellent complement to rice dishes, sambal, and other herbs. The large bushy plants with edible leaves that are eaten raw and are a key ingredient in Nasi Ulam, a rice salad eaten in Southeast Asia. Occasionally, the leaves are also added to soups or stir-fries. The plant is prized not only for its flavor but also for its purported health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting circulation. 

Growing Tips: Ulam Raja thrives in warm, humid climates and is best suited to tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and grows well in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Seeds should be sown directly into the soil after the danger of frost has passed. Plants should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for good airflow. Moderate watering is sufficient, and pinching back the growing tips encourages a bushier, more productive plant.

Harvesting Guidance: Young leaves can be harvested about 4 to 6 weeks after planting. For the best flavor, pick tender, mid-sized leaves regularly. Frequent harvesting promotes new leafy growth and helps keep the plant compact. While the leaves are most commonly used, the flowers can also be harvested for decorative purposes or brewed into herbal teas. The plant readily self-seeds, making it easy to maintain year after year.