The sesame plant is an amazing, sun-loving plant that’s both beautiful and easy to grow. It’s one of the oldest crops in the world and has been grown for thousands of years. Sesame plants can grow up to 4 feet tall and have thin, green leaves and pretty, bell-shaped flowers that can be white, pink, or purple. After the flowers bloom, the plant produces seed pods filled with tiny seeds.
Growing sesame is a fun and rewarding way to add something unique to your garden. Whether you plant it in a garden bed or a pot, sesame loves warm weather and doesn’t need a lot of care to grow well. In this guide, we’ll show you how to grow sesame from seeds to harvest and everything in between!
About the Sesame Plant
The sesame plant (Sesamum indicum) is one of the oldest oilseed crops, originally from Africa and India. Today, it thrives in warm climates all over the world. These plants can grow up to 4 feet tall, with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and small, bell-shaped flowers that come in shades of white, pink, or purple. After blooming, sesame plants develop pods filled with tiny, flat seeds—the ones we use in everything from tahini to salads.
Sesame loves warmth, which is why it’s perfect for areas with long, hot summers. It’s also pretty tough and can grow in poor soil as long as it drains well. However, with a little extra care in the right environment, you can get the best possible harvest.
How to care for Sesame Plants
Sesame plants thrive in full sun—the more sunlight, the better! They also prefer soil that’s slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 5.5 and 8.0. It’s important to choose a spot with well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots, so avoid areas that stay soggy after rain. While sesame doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer, adding some compost can really boost the soil and give your plants the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
How to Grow Sesame Plants From Seed
Now that you know a little about the plant, let’s get started with planting sesame from seed.
Choosing the Right Seeds
Start by picking high-quality sesame seeds. You can find them at local garden centers or online. If you plan to use the seeds in cooking, choosing an organic variety is a good option.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting, it’s important to get the soil ready. Loosen the soil to about 12 inches deep so the roots have room to grow. If your soil is heavy and clay-like, mix in some organic compost to improve drainage. You can also use a soil test kit to make sure the pH is right for sesame—aim for a slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Planting Your Seeds
Plant sesame seeds after the last frost in your area, since they need warm temperatures to thrive. Aim for daytime temperatures around 75°F (24°C).
Plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep and space them 6 to 12 inches apart. If you’re planting in rows, make sure there’s at least 24 inches between them so the plants have space to spread. Water gently after planting to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. The seeds usually take about 7 days to sprout.
Taking Care of Your Plants
Once your sesame plants start sprouting, they’ll need some care. While sesame doesn’t need a lot of water, it’s important to water them deeply during dry periods, especially when they’re establishing roots. Watering in the early morning is best, as it keeps the soil from staying too wet overnight.
Sesame is pretty low-maintenance, but it can still benefit from a light application of organic fertilizer, especially if your soil is lacking in nutrients. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much fertilizer can lead to a lot of leaves but fewer seeds.
Harvesting Sesame Seeds
After months of care, you’ll soon be able to harvest your sesame seeds. But how do you know when it’s time to pick them?
When to Harvest Sesame
Sesame plants usually take about 90-110 days to mature, depending on your climate. They’re ready to harvest when the seed pods turn from green to brown and start to split open. You’ll know the seeds are ripe when you can hear them rattling inside the pods. If you wait too long, the pods might burst open and scatter seeds everywhere, so try to harvest them just before that happens.
How to Harvest Sesame
To harvest, gently cut the plants at the base, leaving about 6 inches of stem. Hang them upside down or place them in a brown paper bag in a warm place for about a week to let the seeds dry out completely. Once they’re fully dry, you can start separating the seeds from the pods by gently crushing them or shaking the plant to release the seeds.
Storing Your Sesame Seeds
After harvesting, store your sesame seeds in a cool, dry place. An airtight container will keep them fresh for up to a year. If you plan to use them for cooking, make sure to keep them in a dark, cool spot because light and heat can cause the seeds to spoil.
Potting and Repotting Sesame
If you don’t have a lot of space for gardening, you can grow sesame in containers! Here’s how:
Growing Sesame in Containers
To grow sesame in a container, choose a large pot with good drainage holes—sesame plants need space for their roots to spread. A pot that’s at least 12 inches deep will give the plant room to grow. Use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix, and make sure to water the plant regularly, but don’t let it sit in water.
If you live in a cooler climate or want to extend your growing season, sesame can also thrive in containers indoors or on a balcony. Just make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
When to Repot Your Sesame Plant
As your sesame plant grows, you might need to repot it to give its roots more space. If the plant looks crowded or stressed, it’s time to move it into a bigger pot. Be gentle when removing the plant from its current pot to avoid damaging the roots. The best time to repot is either in early spring or after the plant has finished growing for the season.
Common Pests and Diseases
Like all plants, sesame is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are a few you might encounter:
Common Pests
- Aphids: These tiny bugs can suck the sap from sesame plants and spread diseases. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Whiteflies: These pests often appear on the undersides of leaves. They can be controlled using insecticidal soap or by introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Diseases
Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases like root rot or leaf spot. To prevent this, water in the morning and avoid wetting the leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow sesame?
It takes about 3 to 5 months for sesame plants to grow from seed to harvest, depending on your climate. The plants are ready when the seed pods turn brown and split open.
How to grow sesame the easy way?
To grow sesame easily, plant seeds in well-draining soil with lots of sunlight and water them regularly. Just make sure the temperature stays warm, and watch for pests!
Where does sesame grow best?
Sesame grows best in warm climates with full sun and well-drained soil. It thrives in temperatures between 75°F (24°C) and 100°F (38°C).
Can you plant sesame seeds?
Yes, you can plant sesame seeds! Just plant them about ¼ inch deep in well-prepared soil after the last frost, and keep them watered until they sprout.
