Growing Organic Fenugreek for Seed - Planting Tips

Introduction to Growing Organic Fenugreek for Seed: Fenugreek is an herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is grown for its leaves and seeds which are used as an herb or spice. The botanical name of Fenugreek is called Trigonella foenum-graecum. The Fenugreek plant can have a single stem or can be branched at the stem base. It has an erect growth habit and a strong, and sweet aroma. The plant leaves are small and trifoliate with oval leaflets which are green to purple. It produces solitary pale white or purplish color flowers and a straight or curved yellow pod.

Fenugreek is also called Methi. It is an annual herb mainly cultivated for seed as well as for its leaves (fresh or dried). The Fenugreek seeds are used as spices and condiments to improve the flavor and the nutritive value of foods. Fenugreek seeds are used as a seasoning agent for pickles and vegetables. Fenugreek is a very popular Indian herb. Its leaves are used as vegetables and seeds as a spice. It has a strong aroma and unique bitter flavor.

A step-by-step guide to Planting and Growing Organic Fenugreek for Seed

Quick Overview about Growing Organic Fenugreek

Binomial Name – Trigonella foenum-graecum
Plant Type – Annual
Germination – 7-10 days at 18°C
Seed life – 2 years
Soil – Well-drained, loamy
Sunlight – Full sun
Seedlings – 4 inches apart
Days to harvest – 120-150 days

Soil and Sun Requirement for Growing Organic Fenugreek

The Fenugreek plant is growing throughout the year in areas where the climate is moderately cool, and frost-free (particularly during the stage of the plant’s “flowering and early grain formation”) with a clear sky. Fenugreek plants are grown in different types of soils that have rich organic content. The preferred soil type is loamy or sandy loam soil with pH levels in the range of 6–7 and with good drainage conditions for better crop yield.

Check the soil conditions. You will want the soil you use to have a well-drained and loamy texture. It should have a slightly acidic pH balance. The pH level of 6.4 is considered ideal, but anything between 6.0 and 7.0 pH is considered acceptable, so test it before you plant your seeds.

Fenugreek seeds should be continually kept moist, but you also have to make sure they don’t become overwatered. For that purpose make sure that the water can easily drain away by breaking up any large chunks of soil. Also, you can mix in river sand to make it drain better, and add organic compost material and manure to help fertilize it better. You will need to make sure that there is space to cover your Fenugreek seeds with more potting soil.

Fenugreek plant prefers full sun but will grow in partial sun or partial afternoon shade, though shady conditions can lead to more fungal pathogen problems. Like most legumes, the Fenugreek plants will tolerate a wide variety of soil types. However, for best results, it must be planted in well-prepared garden soil that has been amended with compost. It requires moderate fertility and will not grow well in soil that has excess nitrogen.

Fenugreek Growing Temperature

Fenugreek plant grows well in a warm and hot climate when the temperature level from 10 to 32°C. When planting Fenugreek for seeds, grow it in spring or early summer. If you’re cultivating it to use as a vegetable or herb, then you can plant it anytime between spring to mid-fall season.

Sow Fenugreek seeds from late spring to late summer season, whenever a bed will be unused for more than eight weeks. Direct seed into the soil about 4 inches apart in all directions.

Tips for Growing Fenugreek

Fenugreek Seed Germination (Pic source: pixabay)

Fenugreek is a very small plant, you can easily sow in a pot, and a patio or balcony can easily in your apartment or house.
Then, fill your pot with well-drained and compost-rich soil.
Check the drainage hole before filling the soil in the vessel and this is very important for saving your plants.
This Fenugreek herb can easily be grown in containers. Plant Fenugreek seeds in a pot indoors on a sunny windowsill, or place pots on the balcony or in a patio garden.
Fenugreek plant is a shallow-rooted plant, so you don’t need a deep container. Then, use a wide planter around 6 to 8 inches deep with good drainage.
Fill the container with about 2/3 potting mix and 1/3 compost. Sprinkle Fenugreek seeds in the pot and add a thin 1/4-inch layer of soil to cover. Thin to 1 to 2 inches of space between Fenugreek seedlings.
After the planting, you keep it in sunny spots, the plants prefer full sun.
Fenugreek seeds are germinated for around 3 to 6 days before consumption, then refrigerated for storage to slow down development at the ideal stage.
To start your sprouts, you will want to soak your Fenugreek seeds in a bowl of cool water for 6 or more hours, or overnight, making certain that seeds are submerged. Then, this will soften the seed coat and promote germination. After soaking, thoroughly drain off all water. It is wise to rinse seeds after soaking to clean them and wash away extraneous matter, and again drain off all excess water.
Rinse seeds with cool and clean water. Then, carefully drain off all water so seeds at bottom of the sprouted are not covered with water. Then, repeat this process of rinsing with cool water and draining about 3 to 4 times per day as seeds mature. As your sprouts grow, they must receive good air circulation. Many types of sprouts provide good circulation with the tilting motion necessary for complete drainage. Keep a container on your kitchen table or counter or similar location that has dependable lighting and airflow.
Once sprouts have reached a desirable state for consumption around 3 to 6 days after germinating for Fenugreek, they can be then transferred out of sprouter and placed under refrigeration to prolong their lifespan. Though, sprouts should not be allowed to dry out, as they can quickly lose their vitality. Clean sprouter thoroughly after use.

Fenugreek Companion Plants

Mature Fenugreek will begin fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the soil around the time flowering begins. Then, this makes it a useful companion for nitrogen-loving vegetables like Corn, Cucumbers, and Brassicas. For the same reason, avoid planting beside Alliums.

Fenugreek plant is not a particularly common plant to grow in the garden. Though, it is gaining popularity as more and more of us begin to grow our herbs and spices. Best Fenugreek Companions are;

Corn
Squash
Potatoes
Peppers
Cucumbers
Rye

How to Propagate Fenugreek Seeds?

In case if you miss this: Growing Organic Fennel From Seed.

This annual plant does not transplant well and should instead be sown from seed. Seeds must be sown in the garden after all chance of frost has passed and the soil has started to warm, any time from late spring to late summer. A close-up of tiny Fenugreek seedlings sprouting through the soil and little green shoots on a light brown soil background in bright sunshine.

If you’re growing Fenugreek from seeds, plant in the spring or early summer so it has time to produce adequate seed pods before the growing season ends. If using it solely for its fast-growing leaves, sowing seed any time between spring and late summer is fine.

Seeds can be broadcasted or planted in rows about 8-18 inches apart at just 1/4 deep. They must sprout quickly, poking through the soil in just a few days. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but do not overwater, as Fenugreek plants won’t grow in waterlogged soil.

You may choose to soak the Fenugreek seeds in tap water for 12-24 hours. Plant your Fenugreek seeds in the soil, rich with compost material. Seed them densely, not in rows. The Fenugreek seeds will germinate in 3 to 4 days and are ready to eat within just a few days.

Steps for Growing Fenugreek in Containers

Growing Fenugreek in containers is easy. It’s similar to any other green vegetable. Take a wide planter at least 6 to 8 inches deep with good drainage. It has shallow roots so it won’t mind the low depth.
Fill the pot with a rich potting mix. You can mix about 1/3 part compost or well-rotted cow or horse manure to it. Sprinkle Fenugreek seeds all over the pot and dust a thin quarter-inch layer of soil briskly to cover them. Leave 1 to 2 inches of spacing between seeds. If you’re growing Fenugreeks as a microgreen don’t care about the spacing of seeds.
Container – Take any container of your choice, preferably a shallow tray or crate will do. Make sure the pot or container has drainage holes at the bottom.
Carefully fill the container with potting mixture i.e. good quality soil with added organic manure. Also, Fenugreek can be grown in sandy soil or even pure sand.
Sowing – Evenly sprinkle the Fenugreek seeds all over the soil. Fenugreek seeds are easily available, and you can also use the seeds from the grocery store which are meant to be used as food.
Germination – Cover the Fenugreek seeds after sowing by sprinkling more soil on them. Seeds germinate within 3 to 4 days.
Get Fenugreek seeds and before you can grow Fenugreek for yourself, you will need to obtain the seeds from which the plants grow. Fenugreek is used in Indian curries and medicine; you can try an Indian grocery store or a herb shop.
Sunlight – Place your container in the bright sunny place of your home garden. At least 3 to 4 hours of sunlight is essential.
Watering – Water your container every morning by using a watering can. To keep the soils slightly moist do regular watering.
Fertilizer – Fenugreek does not need a lot of fertilizer. At the time of Fenugreek planting, you can mix manure or compost, or time-based fertilizer in the soil and that will keep it growing for a few weeks. Also, feed the Fenugreek plant with balanced liquid fertilizer, every other week for more robust growth.
Harvesting – Microgreen Methi can be harvested within 8 to 10 days of sowing. Methi greens as a regular vegetable can be harvested in 3 to 4 weeks when leaves are mature. Harvesting Fenugreek is done by uprooting the entire plant and cutting off the long roots. Though, re-sowing of Fenugreek seeds can be done in the same container after a gap of one week for the next round of harvest.

General Care and Maintenance for Growing Organic Fenugreek

Fenugreek will do just fine planted in average, well-draining soil, though it prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil, with a pH range of about 6.0 to 7.0.
Fenugreek requires at least 4 to 5 hours of direct sun a day. While it can be planted in partial shade in warm climate conditions, in colder locations, it is best to grow it in a sunny spot.
This plant does particularly well in warm and hot climates with an average temperature level of 10-32°C, and it can even be grown year-round. Once established, thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Water your Fenugreek plant regularly to keep it moist, particularly in dry weather. Do not overwater the Fenugreek plant, as waterlogged soil will impede growth.
Pinch off the top third of mature stems periodically to encourage lush and branching growth. If you’re not planning to collect the seeds, prune the top about 6 inches of the mature plant to encourage more growth and prevent it from setting seed.

Organic Fertilizer Requirement for Growing Fenugreek

Fenugreek, even though a legume must be checked for its nitrogen fixation process. To check if the Fenugreek plant is fixing nitrogen carefully check the roots for pink colored nodules. If the nodules are missing, and try using nitrogen-based organic fertilizer. Weak plants produce dull flavored leaves and seeds which cannot be used at all. There is no need to add fertilizer, but it is always a good idea to incorporate rotted manure or compost into the soil before seed sowing. Then, you can use a liquid compost tea or comfrey tea every few weeks to encourage more robust growth. After that, add good quality organic manure to the soil with a 2:1 ratio before sowing the seeds. Organic fertilizer can be well rotten cow dung manure, FYM (farmyard manure), compost, or vermicomposting.

Organic Pests and Diseases Control for Growing Fenugreek

Fenugreek does not have many pests and diseases. Some pests and diseases that affect Fenugreek plants are aphids, powdery mildew disease, charcoal rot, and root rot. You can easily save your Fenugreek plant from these problems by using organic pesticides regularly and watering properly. Insects don’t pose much of a problem for Fenugreek, except for one particular creepy-crawler known as aphids. These are small sap-sucking pests feeding on the juices of the tender parts of the plant, and affecting the growth. Try spraying neem oil to combat the infestation and this can cause the plant leaves to wilt and drop. To prevent Charcoal rot disease incorporates organic manure and maintains moisture level by mulching. Although the Fenugreek plant does not suffer from too many pests or diseases, you may notice powdery mildew, aphids, or charcoal rot. Use organic pesticides and avoid over watering to help control several pests or diseases that may try to attack your Fenugreek. In warm weather conditions, if your plants aren’t thriving then it could be because of the below pests and diseases;

Charcoal rot – Discoloration of the vine at soil line; and cankers on the stem may spread upwards; leaves can wilt and drop from the plant; numerous small black sclerota (fungal fruiting bodies) develop in affected tissues and then can be used to diagnose the disease. Organic soil amendments such as the addition of manure or neem cake can be used to reduce levels of inoculum in the soil.

Root Rot – This fungus affects the lower leaves and then causes yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Fenugreek plants that succumb to this disease will eventually die. Then, planting them in well-drained soil will reduce the risk of rot.

Powdery Mildew – These white powdery spots might appear on the lower and the upper surfaces of leaves, flowers, and other parts during the later stage of the plant’s life. Then, apply neem oil if you spot these white color spots.

Aphids – Aphids don’t cause much damage to seed pods. However, if you are growing Fenugreek plants for leaves, they make eating methi seem pretty unappetizing. Fortunately treating aphids is incredibly easy. Carefully use a soft cloth and some soapy water to wash them off. Then, drench the plant with water to eliminate the soap. Don’t shoot these Fenugreek plants with a strong hose spray like you might for aphid infestations on other plants. The plants aren’t deep-rooted enough to withstand that kind of pressure.

Cercospora Leaf Spot – It is another potentially damaging fungal pathogen that can reduce your crop of methi leaves and damage seed pods. Growing Fenugreek in temperature levels that stay consistently below 21ºC is your best preventative for avoiding this fungal disease. Using certified Fenugreek seeds from a reputable source or pre-treating seeds with fungicides can help. Good crop rotation is also key. Don’t plant Fenugreek in areas where other legumes have been for at least 3 years to reduce risks.

When and How to Harvest Fenugreek

If you want to eat the Fenugreek leaves, you can remove the older leaves first and leave the younger leaves in place to continue growing Fenugreek. Also, you can harvest the entire plant and then succession plant replacements for leaves. Many people will even grow this Fenugreek as microgreens and eat the roots as well.

Depending on weather conditions you’re trying to get leaves or seeds from your Fenugreek you will want to vary how you harvest the plant. For leaves, cut the Fenugreek plant at the stem a few centimeters above the soil or pull them up by the roots. For seeds, wait for the pods on the plant to turn yellow color, signaling that they’ve fully ripened, and harvest the seed before the pod pops open.

In favorable conditions, within 20 to 30 days Fenugreek will be ready for the first harvest. To harvest Fenugreek seeds, you will have to wait for 2 to 4 months, depending on the growing conditions. Fenugreek leaves can be eaten fresh in salads or added to curry dishes.

Harvesting Seeds – If you are growing Fenugreek for seeds, you’ll get fatter seed pods and faster production if you don’t harvest any plant leaves. That’s why it’s a good idea to grow some Fenugreek plants only for their leaves. When harvesting the Fenugreek seeds, wait until the pods plump and begin to yellow. Then you can harvest the pods. Let them fully dry. Split the pods and then harvest the seeds.

Usually, Fenugreek plant leaves will be ready to harvest within 30 to 40 days of sowing. Carefully snip off the top third of the mature stems allowing the rest to continue growing. Then, this will encourage branching facilitating flowering and seed production later. After trimming, the plant leaves will regrow in 15 days. You can continue harvesting the plant leaves until the plant begins to flower. Seed harvest will take a little more patience. You will be able to collect the Fenugreek seeds (methi) after 3 to 5 months of planting. The seeds will develop between small pods, each pod containing about 15 to 17 seeds. Peel them open to reveal the seed yellowish-brown color inside.

Commonly Asked Questions about Growing Organic Fenugreek

How can I grow Fenugreek at home?

Fenugreek plants can be easily grown in pots, containers, or even grow bags.

Is Fenugreek easy to grow?

Growing Fenugreek plant is easy, whether you live in a warm climate or cool, both on grounds or in containers. Also, you can grow Fenugreek indoors on windowsills in small pots.

Why is my Fenugreek dying?

Excess watering can cause the seeds to die. It does not like to be transplanted from pot to soil, so keep growing them wherever you have sown the Fenugreek seeds.

What is the best time to plant Fenugreek seeds?

Seeds must be sown in the garden after all chance of frost has passed and the soil has started to warm, any time from late spring to late summer. If you are growing Fenugreek for its seeds, plant in the spring or early summer season so it has time to produce adequate seed pods before the growing season ends.

Does the Fenugreek plant need sunlight?

Fenugreek plants grow well in full sun to partial shade. Provide about 5 to 6 hours of sunlight during the growing season.

Is Fenugreek a perennial?

Fenugreek is an annual plant. Fenugreek seeds and leaves are popular ingredients in Indian food.

How can I protect my Fenugreek plant?

Do regular watering of the Fenugreek plant to maintain the soil slightly moist. Remember not to over-water the Fenugreek plant. This will impede plant growth and kill your plant. If you are growing Fenugreek indoors or in a shady area, be vigilant about watering.

How tall does Fenugreek get?

Fenugreek is a tender annual plant that can grow up to 2 feet in height from a single hollow hairy stem, with stems that branch at the base.

Do you have to soak Fenugreek seeds?

Soaking the Fenugreek seeds overnight before you plant them will help to increase their germination rate. After that, place the Fenugreek seeds in a bowl or cup of room temperature water and leave them there overnight.

1 COMMENT

Msa January 17, 2022 At 3:57 am

What is the optimal growing path to use methi primarily #1 for nitrogen fixation, #2 for leaf harvesting for consumption, and #3 for reseeding itself for next year? I’d like to have all three facets of this plant.

Growing Organic Fenugreek for Seed – Planting Tips

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