Blue Fenugreek

What Blue Fenugreek is

Blue Fenugreek (Trigonella caerulea) is an annual herb of the Legume family (Fabaceae). Blue fenugreek is an old, traditional spice, often used with cheeses. It is valued for its unique flavour, slightly reminiscent of curry.

Trigonella caerulea is an annual plant that is grown easily and quickly, ready to harvest after 2-3 months.

The whole plant can be cut and left in a dry, dark place to dry.

Many uses of this plant are mentioned in traditional medicine.

The plant is used to aid digestion and to improve metabolism.

Trigonelline is considered the most important metabolite of fenugreek, which is effective in treating diabetes and lowering blood cholesterol.

Fenugreek is probably best known for its seeds, which have a slightly bitter taste and are roasted and ground and used as a spice.

The leaves of the plant can be used in salads. The seeds and leaves have a strong aroma.

Blue fenugreek is a spice for spiced salt blends and pastirma; the young leaves and sprouts are also eaten.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 70%
• Pack size: 0.4 g
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: April and May; direct
• Flowering: July and August
• Harvest: July and August
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Blue Fenugreek

Blue Fenugreek seeds are sown in April and May. The plants flower in July and August. The crop is harvested in July and August. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Blue Fenugreek

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 0.5–1 cm
• Spacing: 20–30 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Sow directly in the garden or in a large pot from late spring to late summer. Cover the seeds with vermiculite. Keep min. 15°C. The seeds will germinate in 14-21 days. If sowing directly, the seeds should be about 5 cm apart, with 1 cm between rows. depth. The plant reaches a height of about 60 cm. The main flowering of fenugreek is in early June, and the seeds ripen and are collected in late summer to early autumn. Once the seeds begin to form, watering should gradually be reduced and stopped completely.

Sow directly in spring; it does not like waterlogging.

Harvest and use

The seeds are harvested when the pods turn yellow.

Frequently asked questions

When should Blue Fenugreek be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: direct.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 70%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.