Fenugreek

Fenugreek — variety description

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum) is an annual herb of the Legume family (Fabaceae). Fenugreek, whose scientific name is Trigonella foenum-graceum L, is an annual plant consisting of three small obovate to oblong leaflets.

It originates from the eastern Mediterranean but is cultivated all over the world. This plant contains medicinal alkaloids, steroid compounds and sapogenins.

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, ground and used as a spice.

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

Fenugreek is a spice for colourful salt and pastirma; the young leaves and sprouts are also eaten.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 93%
• Seeds per packet: 191–259 pcs (3 g)
• Seed origin: India
• Sowing: April and May; direct
• Flowering: July and August
• Harvest: July and August
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Fenugreek

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 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 Fenugreek be sown?

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

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 191–259 seeds, pack size 3 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 93%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.