Black Sesame
Sesamum indicum • Pedaliaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Herb
🌍 Origin Region
India and Africa
📅 Days to Maturity
90 to 120 days from planting to harvest, typically harvested when lower leaves turn yellow and capsules begin to split.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11 as an annual, requiring warm tropical or subtropical conditions.
About This Seed
The seeds are extremely small, flat, teardrop-shaped or oval, and distinctly black with a nutty flavor and aroma. The resulting plant is an annual herb growing up to 2-3 feet tall with opposite leaves, tubular white to pinkish flowers, and seed capsules containing the edible seeds.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Spring and Summer, direct sow after all danger of frost has passed
Germination
Germination takes 7 to 14 days at an optimal soil temperature of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. High germination rate, requires light soil covering, no pre-treatment necessary.
Planting Instructions
Plant 1/4 inch deep in well-draining sandy loam soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Space seeds 2 to 4 inches apart in rows spaced 18 to 24 inches apart, thinning later to 6 inches apart.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours daily. Water moderately during early growth, then drought-tolerant once established.
Companion Plants
Grows well with peppers, tomatoes, and marigolds; avoid planting near heavy root crops.
Special Characteristics
Highly drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, produces aromatic oil-rich seeds, and attracts pollinators.