The sesame plant thrives in hot, dry climates, making it an excellent choice for many growers in the western US. Gardening expert Sarah Jay shares her tips on planting, growing, and caring for this unique plant.
Have you ever seen a sesame plant? You’re probably familiar with sesame seeds, sesame oil, and tahini—but have you tried growing sesame plants yourself? If not, now’s your chance.
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is grown worldwide as a food crop in hot, dry regions like India and Africa, with records of its cultivation in China dating back over 5,000 years. Tahini, a beloved food (not just in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines), is made from ground sesame seeds. Look around, and you’ll find sesame seeds just about anywhere.
Whether you want to share homegrown seeds with family or grow a drought-tolerant plant, sesame is a great choice. The stalks reach up to three feet tall, and their bell-shaped flowers are a lovely sight. Check local seed distributors for your favorite variety, and you could have fresh seeds in just 13 weeks!
Overview
A Sesamum indicum with multiple white flowers pointing downward, appearing to yield vibrant green fruits
Plant Type: Perennial
Family: Pedaliaceae
Genus: Sesamum
Species: Sesamum indicum
Native Area: Assam, Bangladesh, India, West Himalayas
Exposure: Full sun
Height: 1–3.5 ft
Watering Requirements: Low
Pests & Diseases: Aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, cutworms, leaf rollers, phyllody, phytophthora blight, dry root rot, alternaria blight, damping off
Maintenance: Low
Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile
Hardiness Zone: 10–11
What is Sesame?
Sesamum indicum goes by many names: sesame, benne, gingelly, sim sim, and til.
Sesame has been used medicinally worldwide. In Taiwan, sesame oil is believed to reduce inflammation, and swapping it for olive or canola oil may help lower high blood pressure. Packed with health benefits, it’s even sold in supplement form.
In Japan, sesame seeds have a rich history, used fermented, pressed, or ground for seasoning in various dishes.
Native Area
It tolerates dry and warm climates well.
This drought-tolerant plant originates in India, Assam, Bangladesh, and the West Himalayas but has naturalized in Africa and other tropical regions. A staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and medicine, its use dates back centuries.
Characteristics
The Sesamum indicum grows leaves on either side of its stem.
Sesame plants are striking, with green leaves growing opposite each other on a central stem. They can reach up to 3.5 feet tall, producing bell-shaped flowers in white, pink, blue, or purple. After flowering, the pods dry and form seed capsules.
Sesame is a slow-growing annual. Start seeds indoors in early spring or late winter. They bloom in summer and fruit before the first frost. Harvest pods before they open, storing them in a container to prevent shattering.
The tiny seeds (less than 3mm) range from white to dark brown or black. While most grow sesame for seeds and oil, the leaves are also edible—though mild in flavor.
Some varieties, like ‘Black and Tan,’ produce multicolored seeds. This type blooms pink flowers and yields black-and-tan seeds.
Planting
Young Sesamum indicum thrives in moist environments.
Start sesame seeds indoors at least two months before summer or outdoors after the last frost. They need full sun, slightly alkaline, well-draining soil, and moist conditions when young.
For best yields, plant in large groups. Containers work too, though yields are smaller. A single plant produces plenty of seeds.
If planting in-ground, choose shatter-resistant varieties to avoid unwanted spreading. Non-shatter types do better in pots.
Planting is simple: place seeds less than an inch deep in a soilless mix, keep moist until germination, then water weekly. Ideal germination temperature is around 70°F (21°C).
How to Grow
Sesame is low-maintenance—just provide the right soil, sun, and water.
Light
Bright green Sesamum indicum basking in sunlight
Sesame needs full sun (6+ hours daily) for a good harvest. Avoid shade, as it stunts growth. Plant tall varieties at the back of flower beds.
Water
A hand watering a garden with a hose
Mature sesame is drought-tolerant. Standing water for just a few hours can kill it. Wild sesame thrives on just 16–18 inches of rain annually.
Water soil well before planting. Overwatering causes seed capsules to shatter. During growth, lightly water the soil surface in the morning. Potted plants dry faster, so water slightly more.
A quick soak with a soaker hose is enough. Skip watering in rainy seasons—excess moisture hinders growth. If spring is unpredictable, try containers so you can move plants indoors.
Soil
Sesame prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Avoid heavy, salty clay, which reduces yields. Ideal pH is 5.6–8 (neutral is best).
Temperature
Sesame loves heat. Flowers bloom in summer, but seeds germinate best at 65–75°F (18–24°C). Established plants thrive at 77–80°F (25–27°C)—higher heat speeds fruiting.
Temperatures below 58°F (14°C) cause damage, and frost kills plants. Use frost cloth in spring if needed. Best grown in zones 10+.
Fertilizing
Sesame benefits from high-nitrogen foliar feeds during growth. Apply more nitrogen in rainy regions, but only before flowering.
Prepping soil with fertilizer before planting helps. Add potash and phosphorus in drier areas. Organic-rich soil may reduce fertilizer needs.
Maintenance
Pruning isn’t necessary unless disease strikes (from excess moisture). Remove damaged leaves but keep enough foliage for photosynthesis. Simply snap off leaves as needed, leaving flowers intact.
Propagation
Sesame is grown only from seed. Use fresh seeds from your harvest or even store-bought ones.
While direct sowing is possible, starting seeds indoors (in a soilless mix, kept moist until germination) is best.
Harvesting
Harvesting is easy when light and water conditions are right.
Pods turn brown and crack slightly when ready. Harvest lower pods first while upper flowers still bloom—this allows multiple harvests.
Remove green pods by hand or shears, placing them upright in a jar to dry. Once dried, break them open over newspaper or parchment to collect seeds. Leaves can be picked fresh.
Storage
Sesame seeds spoil easily due to their oil content. Dry pods fully before cracking them open. Store seeds in an airtight container (like a mason jar) in a dark cupboard for short-term use or freeze for longer storage.
Dried seeds last 6–12 months; roasted seeds keep up to a year. Use leaves immediately, or store briefly in a plastic bag with parchment.
Common Problems
Most issues arise from improper growing conditions or pests.
Too Much Water
Standing water kills sesame quickly. Plant in mounds to improve drainage. Proper soil prevents excess moisture.
Too Much or Too Little Heat
Excessive heat speeds fruiting, but cold is worse. Growth stalls below 60°F (16°C), and frost is fatal. Transplant seedlings only after frost risk passes.
Pests
It is vulnerable to various pests, including aphids
Aphids: Sap-sucking pests. Treat with neem oil (every 7 days max).
Leafhoppers: Cause curled, discolored leaves. Neem oil or capsaicin spray works.
Thrips: Leave silver scars. Use predatory bugs (lacewings, ladybugs) or pyrethrin sprays.
Cutworms/Leaf Rollers: Handpick larvae or use Bacillus thuringiensis sprays. Neem oil prevents egg hatching.
Diseases
Different diseases can infect the Sesamum indicum.
Aster Yellows (Phyllody): Causes deformed flowers, stunted growth. No cure—destroy infected plants. Prevent with leafhopper control.
Alternaria Leaf Spot: Dark rings on leaves. Treat with copper fungicide and remove damaged foliage.
Phytophthora Blight: Dark leaf spots. Prevent with well-draining soil and biofungicides. Copper sprays help.
Damping Off: Kills seedlings in wet conditions. Use mycorrhizae-rich soil; remove affected plants.
