I first learned about growing sesame from a gardener in a cooler climate who shared her success story. She mentioned that sesame is a warm-season crop that thrives in hot summers. This sounded promising—if she could cultivate sesame successfully in Minnesota, surely I could do the same in Arizona, where summers often hit triple digits. My instincts were right; growing sesame turned out to be straightforward. It flourished even in the intense heat. Here’s how you can grow sesame seeds in your garden, regardless of where you live!
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT SESAME SEEDS
You might know sesame seeds as a common topping on hamburger buns, but they have a rich history as a food source and oil for centuries. Evidence of sesame cultivation can be traced back to ancient Assyrian tablets and the writings of Marco Polo. Sesame seed is among the oldest oilseed crops, believed to have been domesticated over 3,000 years ago.
Historically, sesame was prized for its ability to thrive in regions unsuitable for other crops. It is a hardy plant that requires minimal agricultural support—it can grow in drought conditions, withstand high heat, and thrive with residual moisture in the soil after monsoons have ended, or even during periods of insufficient or excessive rainfall. This resilience made it a vital crop for subsistence farmers living at the edges of deserts, where other crops cannot survive. Sesame has been aptly termed a “survivor crop.”
SESAME PLANTING INFORMATION
While you might consider using sesame seeds from your cupboard, you’re likely to achieve better results with fresh seeds. For instance, True Leaf Market offers sesame seeds for planting in both black and white/tan varieties, with black seeds having a stronger flavor.
In most climates, start sesame seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before your last spring frost date. Once the seedlings are ready, harden them off and transplant them outdoors 2-3 weeks after the last frost. Sesame thrives in warm soil.
You can also grow sesame in containers; just make sure to select one that holds at least 5 gallons of soil.
Soil: Sesame is quite tolerant of challenging soil conditions, but the best yields come from fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. I grew sesame in raised beds using a mix from Arizona Worm Farm, and the plants flourished.
Sunlight: Sesame requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight to grow successfully. In my low desert Arizona garden, sesame enjoyed full sun throughout the growing season. If you’re in a cooler climate, choose a spot that receives reflected sunlight to provide the warmth sesame plants need.
SIZE AND SPACING DETAILS FOR SESAME PLANTS
Give sesame plants room to grow, as they grow about 3-4 feet (about 1 m) tall and 1-2 feet (90-120 cm) wide. You should plant one sesame plant for every square foot of your garden.
SESAME SEED GROWING TIPS
Sesame thrives in hot, dry environments. Water the plants when the top inch of soil feels dry, and be careful not to overwater.
When sesame plants reach a height of 10-12 inches, they can be pinched back to promote branching. While this step is optional, it can lead to an increase in the number of stalks and sesame seeds produced per plant.
Flowers will bloom first, followed by the development of pods. Enjoy the stunning blossoms and the variety of pollinators they attract!
Sesame plants might require extra support since the weight of the pods can cause the branches to bend and potentially break in windy conditions.
The fruit on my sesame plants is heaviest during the monsoon season and the rains are at their peak. Use bamboo stakes to support the sesame plants.
Sesame Seed Harvesting Tips
Sesame pods ripen starting at the bottom of the stalk, so monitor them closely to determine when the rest are ready for harvest. You can choose to harvest individual pods or the entire stem.
Harvest the pods as they begin to dry but before they split and release their seeds. Store the harvested pods in a large paper sack to allow them to dry completely.
Once dry, the seeds will easily fall out. Gather the seeds from the bottom of the sack and shake the pods to extract any remaining seeds. Use a colander to sift out any plant material from the harvested seeds.
On average, one sesame plant yields about 1/3 cup (28 grams) of seeds.
How To Store And Use Sesame Seeds
Before storing, allow the seeds to dry completely, then keep them in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place. I prefer using glass jars with secure lids.
Whole raw sesame seeds can be used in salads, as toppings for bread, or in sushi. To enhance their flavor, toast the seeds before use. You can also make tahini by grinding the seeds with a small amount of oil. One of our favorite ways to enjoy fresh sesame seeds is in a sesame chicken recipe.
