Sesame seed (Sesamum indicum) is believed to be one of the oldest cultivated oilseeds. Sesame seeds are grown as a spice in the Middle East and have many uses.
They should have well-drained soil with undulating, dry conditions in full sun and a neutral pH. This makes it challenging for gardeners who don’t live in the right growing zone. Let’s learn all about sesame plants and how to grow sesame seeds in your garden!
About The Sesame Plant
The sesame plant is a strong and beautiful plant that grows in warm places. It loves the sun and doesn’t need much water. The leaves are green, and the flowers are usually white or pink. The common name is Til
- The botanical name is Sesamum indicum
- Family Pedaliaceae
- Plant Type Annual, Perennial
- Mature size 2-4 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
- Full sun exposure
- Soil Type Well draining
- Soil pH is neutral
- Flowering time is summer.
- The flower colors are white, purple, and blue.
- Hardiness Zones 10-11 (USDA)
What Does a Sesame Seed Plant Look Like?
Sesame seed plants can grow from three to six feet tall. It has long, thin leaves, and its flowers bloom at the top of the plant. After flowering, the flowers develop into pods with many tiny seeds. The seeds can be white, brown, black, or even red. When you see a sesame seed plant, you might think it looks like a small bush with many flowers and seed pods!
What is a Sesame Seed?
When you plant a mole in the ground, it grows into a small shoot. Over time, this shoot will grow into a tall plant with beautiful flowers. The flowers will then develop into pods, with many moles inside each. These seeds can be used to produce more plants, or you can use them for cooking and eating!
Types of Sesame: Black and White Sesame
There are different types of moles, mainly white and black. The white mole turns black and peels off, leaving the white part inside. Black seeds have their shells still intact.
The latter has a more pronounced nutty flavor and is slightly earthy, while the former has a milder flavor. Each type of sesame has its taste and uses:
White sesame Seeds
- This seed is the most common.
- They have a mild, nutty flavor and are often used in baking and cooking.
- Raw sesame seeds are usually white before roasting or cooking.
Black Sesame Seeds
- These seeds have a more robust and slightly bitter taste than white sesame. They are often used in Asian cuisine and contain more antioxidants.
- When comparing black sesame with white sesame, it is considered healthier as it contains more nutrients.
Sesame plant Care
- Sesame seeds take between 100 and 135 days to mature and planting indoors a few weeks before the last frost guarantees a successful harvest.
- Germinate plants indoors by planting seeds ¼” deep in a rich growing medium.
- If kept moist, plants will germinate in 10 to 14 days.
- Ready for transplanting when outside temperatures reach 70 degrees.
- Plant in medium-textured, well-drained soil with a neutral pH.
- Please place it in full sun, where it will receive the most direct light and heat.
- Water it sparingly, being careful not to overwater plants regularly.
- Feed with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the growing season.
How to Grow a Black Sesame Plant from Seed
Growing black sesame seeds is similar to increasing white sesame seeds. The steps are the same:
- Choose a sunny location.
- Prepare well-drained soil.
- Plant the seeds.
- Water them properly.
- Wait for them to grow.
Black sesame plants may have slightly darker flowers but need the same care as white plants. Knowing how to grow black sesame plants from seed will add variety to your garden and give you a new variety of sesame seeds!
How to Plant Sesame Seeds at Home
Growing sesame at home is excellent if you have limited space. Here’s how to do it:
Use a Pot or Container
Choose a pot with drainage holes to keep water from sitting in the soil.
Fill it with Suitable Soil.
Use well-drained soil mixed with compost.
Planting the Seeds
Plant the seeds about half an inch deep and cover lightly with soil.
Keep it in a Sunny Place?
Place the container in a sunny location, such as a windowsill or balcony.
Water Regularly
Keep the soil moist but not too wet. Water when the top layer is dry.
How to Harvest Sesame Seeds?
Harvest time is significant in sesame cultivation. Sesame plants are ready to harvest when the leaves, stems, and capsules turn golden brown and begin to crumble. Harvesting too early can result in immature seeds while harvesting too late can result in damaged seeds.
The traditional method of harvesting sesame seeds is to cut them at the base of the plant and stack them upright to dry. This allows the seeds to mature fully and reduces moisture. After drying, the plants are threshed to separate the seeds from the pods. To improve efficiency, mechanical harvesting and threshing methods are also used in large-scale operations.
With the right amount of sunlight, water, and care, these seeds will germinate into small plants and grow tall with flowers and seed pods.
Growing Sesame Plants from Seed Indoors
Seeds can propagate sesame plants. Seeds from a recent harvest or the supermarket will suffice for this method. Sesame seeds should not be sown directly outdoors. Here’s how to start growing them indoors.
- Fill the pots with a moist seedbed four to six weeks before the last frost.
- Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and cover lightly with soilless planting mix.
- Keep them moist until they germinate in 10 to 14 days.
- Sesame seeds germinate best at temperatures between 68 and 75 degrees.
- Water once a week until the plants are hardy enough to transplant outside.
Tips for Growing Healthy Sesame Plants
To ensure your sesame plant grows big and strong, follow these tips:
Sun
Make sure your plants get plenty of sunlight. Sesame plants love the sun!
Correct Spacing
Do not plant seeds too close together. Give each plant enough space to grow and spread.
Fertilizer
Use natural compost or manure to keep plants healthy and robust.
Control Pests
Keep an eye out for insects that may try to eat the plants. If you see any, use natural pest control methods to keep them away.
Collect Sesame Seeds
When the sesame plant is fully grown, the leaves will turn yellow, and the pods will begin to dry. This is a sign that the seed is ready to harvest!
Carefully cut the pods off the plant and let them dry for a few days. Open the pods carefully to collect the sesame seeds when they are scorched. Store them in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh.
Conclusion
Growing sesame seeds is a fun and easy activity that you can do at home. It takes a little work, but the rewards are great. You will see how a tiny seed grows into a tall, beautiful plant.
Plus, you’ll be able to collect your sesame seeds, which you can use for cooking or replanting next season. Growing sesame seeds is fun and easy! Sesame seeds come from a plant called the sesame plant.
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