Sesamum indicum Sesame is one of our oldest crop companions, the first oilseed plant, domesticated in the Indus Valley more than 5500 years ago. The seeds are densely nutritious; 18% protein, 50% oil and fats, high in calcium, iron, and magnesium. The leaves are broadly lanceolate with smooth margins, on plants that can reach 6’ tall (but generally range from 2-5’), either single or multi-stemmed, with 1” long tubular flowers along the stem in white, pink, or purple. The seeds form in 4-chambered capsules that burst open at full maturity. Seeds can be from white to black, with all shades of tan, nut brown, and blue-grey in-between. Direct seeding is only advised when 70-degree soil is assured. It is a long season crop, so most growers transplant 4-week-old seedlings at the same time they would sow green beans (65-70, minimum 60 degrees), in rows 24” apart. Harvest by cutting whole stems when the lowest pods have begun to open. Dry completely on tarps or sheets under cover. Once fully dried, all pods will spill their seeds with gentle tapping of the stems with a stick. Seeds Per Packet: 100 Seeds Per Gram: 490
