Fenugreek Seed Cultivation

Medicinal Value

• Long prized for its many medicinal qualities, Fenugreek is said to aid digestion, increase milk production, ease menstrual pains, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, relieve congestion, and heal boils and cysts. Medical studies have not yet confirmed any medicinal value of fenugreek to humans.

Culinary Uses

• Fenugreek is used to flavor a variety of foods, including candy, breads, pickles, ice cream, soft drinks, and syrups. It is primarily used, as noted, in Indian dishes and curries, but can also be used to make teas and coffees. The plant itself is bitter, so fresh leaves are rarely used in cooking, but the sprouts can be used fresh in salads. The seeds of the plant should be lightly toasted before use, then ground to use as a spice. The seeds can also be soaked overnight and mashed to incorporate into other dishes.

Habitat and Cultivation

• Fenugreek prefers bright, full sun. It should be planted 4 inches apart in well-drained soil. If sown from seeds, germination takes about a week. Fenugreek plants cannot be easily transplanted, so they should be planted directly in the garden. For continuous growth, sow seeds every three weeks. Plants take about four months to mature. The plant will grow to 1 to 2 feet as it matures. When seeds are mature, the entire plant is cut down or uprooted and dried. The seeds are harvested from legumes before they are fully mature, where they are then dried along with the leaves of the plant.

Caring for Fenugreek

• Fenugreek plants require rich soil and occasional watering. Pinching off a few leaves of the plant will encourage new growth. The plant is naturally resistant to predators, but is susceptible to a fungus disease called Cercospora leaf spot. Fenugreek plants will not survive cold temperatures, so they should be planted long after danger of frost. If plants become overcrowded, they should be thinned out to produce maximum growth.