Do you want to grow your own Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is a plant that has many uses. It can be used as an herb, spice, and vegetable. The leaves are edible and the seeds are used in cooking. This plant is also known for its medicinal properties which include being able to treat diabetes, high cholesterol levels, stomach ulcers, arthritis pain relief, etc. If you’re interested in growing this plant then read on! We have all the information you need right here!
Growing fenugreek at home is easy with these simple steps! You don’t even need a green thumb or any gardening experience to get started either. Just follow our instructions below and soon enough you will have your very own fenugreek plants growing strong indoors or outdoors! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start planting today so that next springtime when it comes around again you can harvest some fresh new fenugreek leaves from your very own garden!
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
When is the best time of the year to plant Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a plant of the pea family, and it does best in warm, frost-free climates. The best time of year to plant Fenugreek is during the fall months of September and October.
Planting can continue throughout November and December, but not nearly as many plants will germinate. If you live in a warmer climate where frost is very unlikely, then Fenugreeks can be planted all year round. However, for those of us who don’t have tropical conditions, it’s important to plant during the fall months.
Where in the Garden Should You Plant Fenugreek
The seeds of Fenugreek are small, hard, and yellow. They can be direct sown into the ground, or started indoors and then transplanted outside. When planting outdoors, space the plants 8-12 inches apart. If you are growing them in a container, then use a pot that is at least 10 inches wide and deep.
Fenugreek prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade. They can be grown in dry conditions but you must keep them well-watered. If your soil is poor, then add compost or manure to enrich it before planting. Fenugreek seed germinates quickly; within 7-10 days.
How Often Should I Watering Fenugreek
Fenugreek should be watered every day to reduce stress and promote health. The plant prefers light and well-drained soil. Fenugreek does not do well in compacted soil, so ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent rot.
When the soil becomes dry to the touch, water thoroughly. If leaves become droopy, give additional water. Do not let plants sit in a tray of water or allow the soil to stay soggy and do not overwater.
Fenugreek likes moist soil conditions so you need to water enough for the soil to be moist all the way up to at least 6 inches of soil. Too much or too little can stress your plant, which reduces its health.
Water from below by standing the pot in a tray of water that comes up about halfway on the pot, until the soil is moist. Do not let the pot sit in water, as this can cause root rot. Fertilize every other week with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer.
If you forget to water your fenugreek from below every day, you can mist it with a spray bottle filled with room temperature water once or twice a week to keep the plant hydrated.
The best time to water fenugreek is in the morning so the water has time to dry before nightfall. This prevents the development of mold and diseases. You can also water in the evening, but be sure to allow the plant plenty of time to dry before dark.
When and How to Harvest Fenugreek
Fenugreek can be harvested when the seeds have developed and turned a light brown color. This will usually happen within 8-10 days of sowing. The plants can be harvested by clipping them at the base with scissors. Be sure to bag the plants after harvesting so that the seeds can continue to mature.
After 6-8 weeks, when 80% of the seeds have turned brown, it is time for fenugreek seed collection. This usually happens sometime between late August and early September (in Japan).
When harvesting fenugreek, one can allow the seeds to dry in the pods for a week or so. However, they can be harvested right away if you do not mind that some of the seeds will fall to the ground. To collect the seeds, clip off entire flowering heads with seedpods and place them in a paper bag (no plastic). Place this bag outside in a shaded area to dry for a few days. Then, beat the bag against a hard surface to loosen the seeds from the pods. Finally, pour the seeds through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any chaff or debris.
Different Ways to Store Fenugreek
- Store dried fenugreek seeds in an airtight container with a mixture of cinnamon powder and sugar for up to 1 year.
- You can also store dried fenugreek seeds in oil, preferably olive oil for up to 4 months.
- Place the fresh leaves of the fenugreek plant in jars along with your desired oil (such as olive) and seal them away for about 2 weeks before using them up. The jars will need to be stored in a dark place like a cupboard or pantry throughout this storage time period.
- Keep fenugreek leaves fresh by putting them into the refrigerator, but they won’t stay fresh for long (approximately 1 week).
- he fresh pods of fenugreek can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Finally, you can freeze the fresh fenugreek leaves or pods. Just blanch them in boiling water for a minute before freezing and they will last for about 6 months.
Other things of interest about Fenugreek
- Fenugreek is an annual plant that is part of the Fabaceae family.
- It has trifoliate leaves and yellow flowers.
- The seeds of the fenugreek plant are used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
- Fenugreek has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in the Middle East and Asia.
- It is used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, respiratory infections, and skin conditions.
- Fenugreek is also a popular culinary herb, and is used in dishes from around the world.
- Some of the key nutrients found in fenugreek seeds include protein, dietary fiber, niacin, thiamine, and phosphorus.
- Traditionally, fenugreek was used to help treat inflammation or pain experienced in the small joints of the toes.
- It has also been used as an aphrodisiac.
- Fenugreek contains chemicals that can act like estrogen (female sex hormones), and many people believe that fenugreek can increase libido.
Conclusion: Now that you know more about growing Fenugreek, you can give it a try in your own garden! This plant is easy to grow and has many benefits, so it’s a great choice for any home gardener.