Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), a butterfly flower from the legume family (Fabaceae), has been used as a spice and as a medicinal plant for thousands of years. The relatively large, yellowish seeds are particularly used. The annual plant, which grows up to 80 centimeters high, is quite easy to grow in our Central European regions.
How to plant fenugreek correctly?
To plant fenugreek successfully, you should choose a sunny and protected location, use loamy and well-drained substrate, and sow the seeds directly outdoors between March and May, about one centimeter deep.
Which location does fenugreek prefer?
Fenugreek is originally native to Persia, but has been cultivated in India, Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years. As a result, the plant is used to a warm, rather dry and, above all, sunny climate. Therefore, sow the fenugreek in a location that is as sunny and protected as possible.
What substrate does fenugreek need?
Fenugreek prefers a loamy but well-drained substrate. The plant should also be grown with as little nitrogen as possible, i.e. H. It is better to avoid fertilizing with horn shavings, compost or manure.
How can you plant or sow fenugreek?
Sow the fenugreek seeds directly outdoors between March and May. The ground is dug thoroughly beforehand and the earth is raked until finely crumbly. Fenugreek is a dark germinator, so the seeds should be pressed about one centimeter deep into the soil. Keep the sowing area slightly moist, the fenugreek will germinate within about a week.
Can you prefer fenugreek?
It is not necessary to grow fenugreek, and the plants should not be moved if possible.
Can fenugreek also be cultivated in a pot?
If the planter is deep enough, you can also grow fenugreek in a bucket. The plant forms deep taproots.
How to propagate fenugreek?
Fenugreek is only propagated through seeds.
When does fenugreek bloom?
The flowering period of fenugreek is from April to July.
When can you harvest fenugreek?
The seeds are harvested as soon as the pods begin to open between August and September. In addition, the young seedlings (also known as “sprouts”) are edible and can be harvested just a few days after sowing. The fresh leaves can be used until September.
Tip
You can dry the freshly harvested leaves and use them as a spice - for example when baking bread, for cheese dishes or oriental or Indian-inspired stews.