What it is
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is in the Pedaliaceae family. A heat- and drought-loving oilseed that thrives where Texas summers punish everything else. Pods shatter when dry.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it low - drought-tough, and give it well-drained, sandy soil. Target a soil pH around 5.5-7.5. Space plants about 6 in apart. Expect roughly 90-120. Warm-season annual.
How it's used
Sesame is used: seeds; oil; tahini.
🔎 How to identify it
- Lance-shaped leaves
- Upright square stem
- Tubular white-pink flowers
Edibility
PartsSeeds
UsesSeeds; oil; tahini
CautionHarvest pods just before they split open.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.