Sesame plants produce the delicious, ubiquitous sesame seeds we see on bagels, in tahini, and as an important ingredient in many foods. The seeds produced are tiny, but one seedpod can produce many seeds.

Sesame is understood as an “oilseed crop” and is one of the oldest cultivated crops known to recorded human history. it’s high oil content, making it nutritionally dense. The rich, uniquely nutty flavor is recognizable in tahini paste, one of the foremost common products made up of it. it’s also used for several commercial foods including loaves of bread, cakes, and cookies.

This plant may be a tropical perennial native to Africa and India. It must have extremely popular, dry conditions for growing, making it something of a challenge for gardeners who don’t sleep in the acceptable growing zones.

Sesame plants produce bell-shaped pendulous flowers that look a touch like foxgloves and should be white, purple, or blue. Bees love these flowers and therefore the honey is extremely tasty and in high demand.

The plants get older to 3 feet tall. The seeds vary in color depending within the variety and should be white, brown, red or buff colored.

The word “sesame” springs from Latin, Greek, and Semitic words that each one means “oil” or “liquid fat.” Not only are they caloric, but they also contain fat, protein and carbohydrates, and a number of other dietary minerals and B vitamins also 

Sesame Plant Care

There are thousands of cultivars of sesame, probably because it’s been a plant known to humans for over 5000 years.

Although these plants are generally tolerant of very poor growing conditions (thin soil, high heat, drought), the simplest crop yields occur in fertile, well-drained soil.

Light

Sesame plants need much direct sunlight and that like warmth. attempt to plant near a stone or brick wall for added heat production.

Soil

Sesame plants are very tolerant of various soil conditions, but good drainage may be a necessity. A sandy, loamy soil may be a good option. No fertilization is required and, in fact, should be discouraged.

Sesame cannot handle standing water or wet soils, or heavy clay soils, nor will it tolerate salty soil or salt air.

Water

While regular watering is vital for germination and establishing young plants, sesame plants don’t need much water.

It’s best to not situate them near other plants that get watered regularly. Giving them their own raised bed or section of garden ensures appropriate moisture and low humidity.

Planting them alongside other drought-tolerant plants (like lavender, thyme or sedums) may be a good idea. don’t use drip irrigation as this may drown the plants.

Temperature and Humidity

The sesame plant’s ability to face up to hot dry desert conditions makes it a really valuable food crop for parts of the planet troubled by drought.

Growing Sesame Plants from Seed

Sesame seeds shouldn’t be direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds indoors four to 6 weeks before the last frost date.

Lightly cover with soil-less planting mix. Keep moist until they germinate, then water once every week approximately .

Sesame seeds germinate best at temperatures between 68 and 75 degrees. they’re indeterminate plants, which suggests they’re going to still bloom and set seed capsules over an extended period within the summer, with peak flowering in July and early August.

Harvesting Seeds

Sesame seeds are very small, and drying them is extremely difficult. But they have to be dry for storage in order that they don’t go rancid, which may be a possibility thanks to their high oil content. Therefore it’s necessary to form sure they dry out sufficiently on the plant inside the seed pod before harvesting them.

Sesame seeds ripen from rock bottom of the plant upwards. the primary flowers to seem are lower down. because the seed pods begin to separate , which happens in late summer, cut the stems and lay them flat during a dry place. Hanging them will cause the seeds to fall out, but you’ll roll in the hay this manner if you’ve got a tray or bucket to catch the seeds.

The plant’s leaves will darken as they dry and therefore the pods will still split open. Then you’ll tap the stems and pods against the edges of a bucket to catch the seeds. Some enthusiasts toast the dried seeds before storing them as this will help to preserve their flavor and stop spoilage.