Also known as Beniseed · Benne · Benneseed
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is an ancient oilseed crop, cultivated for its edible seeds and oil, featuring pale flowers and capsules.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and seed production.
Moderate, with attention to drainage
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as seeds mature.
Sandy loam, Loam, Clay loam
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 20°C and 30°C. Sensitive to frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low to Moderate
25% intensity
Benefits from well-drained soil enriched with compost. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Sesame prefers consistent moisture but dislikes waterlogged soil. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry, especially during flowering and seed development.
Reduce watering as the plant matures and begins to dry down for harvest. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Pruning is generally not necessary for sesame plants. Their natural growth habit is bushy and upright.
If plants become leggy or overcrowded in a small space, light pinching of the tips can encourage bushier growth, but this is typically done only for aesthetic purposes or to manage space.
Sesame is primarily grown from seeds. Sow seeds directly into the ground after the last frost when soil temperatures have warmed. Seeds germinate best in warm soil.
You can also start seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost, but transplanting can be tricky for this direct-sown crop.
Sesame is an annual plant and is not typically repotted. It is best sown directly into its final growing location. If starting seeds indoors in small containers, they will be transplanted outdoors.
Once established in the garden, they will complete their life cycle and not require repotting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sesame (Sesamum indicum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Lamiales |
| family | Pedaliaceae |
| genus | Sesamum |
| species | Sesamum indicum |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
