Fenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Also known as
Classical Fenugreek, Common Fenugreek, Cultivated Trigonella, Greek Hay, Greek-Clover, Sicklefruit Fenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum kz06 by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
7a
USDA zone
-18°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
60cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
Fenugreek Overview
Trigonella foenum-graecum is a herb similar to clover that is native to the Mediterranean region. The seeds are used in cooking, to make medicine, or to hide the taste of other medicine. Fenugreek seeds smell and taste somewhat like maple syrup. The seeds are used as a spice to flavour curries and the leaves can be eaten fresh or dried. Also known as Greek-Clover, it is a member of the legume family and as such helps to capture and release nitrogen into the soil. It can be grown as green manure, working best when dug back into the top 15cm (6") before it begins to flower.
Common problems with Fenugreek
Cercospora leaf spot and Charcoal rot which are caused by a fungus. Aphids suck the sap of tender parts of plants and affects the growth, adversely.
Fenugreek Companion Plants
Asian greens, lettuce, beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash
How to harvest Fenugreek
Once the seeds start turning yellow, use your hands to harvest the Fenugreek and simply snap off the husks. Wash the seeds in cool running water and towel dry afterwards.
How to propagate Fenugreek
Seed
Fenugreek is a fast-growing annual and is best started 4-6 weeks indoors prior to the last frost of the season. Seeds should be sown 35mm deep in a lightweight medium soil and keep well-moistened.
Special features of Fenugreek
Crop rotation
Light feeder
Pot plant
You can grow fenugreek in containers with good drainage. It’s similar to cilantro or parsley.
Other uses of Fenugreek
Culinary, soil conditioner
Medicinal
Fenugreek is used for kidney ailments, mouth ulcers, boils, bronchitis, tuberculosis, chronic coughs, chapped lips, baldness, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and exercise performance.
Edible
Leaves, flowers ,seeds
Edibles to Sow Under Cover in November
Grow these on a sunny windowsill or heated propagator for winter picking.
Green Manures
Empty spaces after crops have been harvested? - Sow these 'green manures' to protect bare beds over winter.
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