Fenugreek

Seed Count: Approx. 100 seeds

Days to Maturity: 40-120

Description:   Fenugreek is a highly versatile herb variety that is prized for its culinary attributes. Even the seeds are edible.  Use fenugreek to spice up just about any meal – especially Mediterranean dishes.  

Mint2Grow Tip: Fenugreek is one of the must have herbs for my curries, and a star in my Indian butter chicken.  If you know me, then you know I love and take my curries seriously.  I always dry the leaves so I can make curry when ever I want at a drop of a hat.  

How To Grow

Sowing:  Fenugreek can be difficult to transplant, so direct sowing, or starting in peat pellets or pots, may be the best option.  This herb thrives in full sun and rich well-drained soil, but it will grow in nearly any kind of soil, and will still grow in partial shade. Fenugreek is a warm weather plant, it should be planted several weeks after the last spring frost, if you are direct sowing.  If sowing indoors, start about 5 weeks before your last frost.  Fenugreek likes slightly acidic soil, anything between 6.0 and 7.0 pH will do the trick.  Sow your seeds thickly, about 1/4 an inch deep.  Thin plants, to 4 inches apart, when the seedlings appear. Germination should take place within a week.  To improve germination rates, soak the seeds overnight before you're ready to plant them.  Fenugreek also makes an excellent container plant, and can be sprouted for delicious microgreens. 

Growing:  Keep the soil consistently moist and make sure to control weeds. Fenugreek loves a good drink, since it adapted to rainy environments, however, make sure not to over water them.  A layer of mulch may help with this, as well as protect the leaves from too much soil contact. Fenugreek does not tolerate frost, so if cold weather threatens it's important to provide protection, or move the plant inside if it's in a container.  Beware of aphids, since they tend to be a major pest for this herb.

Harvesting:  Fenugreek leaves can be harvested at any time from the microgreen or sprout stage to their mature harvesting size. When the plant begins to flower, however, like cilantro, the culinary quality of the leaves declines. To store the fresh leaves, wash them carefully and strip them from the stems.  Store fresh leaves in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The leaves can also be dried or frozen to be stored. To collect the seeds, wait until they rattle in their pods and shell them like peas. You can store seeds in an airtight container for up to 6 months. The seeds can be used for seasoning, or you can store them for future planting.