Fenugreek [Trigonella foenum graecum]

Annual fenugreek is a versatile green manure, tea, spice, and medicinal plant from the Middle East. It's known as a bread and cheese seasoning and is a staple ingredient in curry spice blends. It tolerates drought and increases soil fertility. Ideal for direct sowing, pot culture possible, sowing spring-summer-autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting leaves and seeds.

 Description 
Fenugreek is an annual green manure, tea, spice, and medicinal plant that was already mentioned in ancient Egyptian texts such as the Ebers Papyrus from 1500 BC. This drought-resistant species is native to West Asia from Iran to Northern India and grows wild in Southern Europe from the Mediterranean to Central Asia. This versatile herb has been cultivated since ancient times and was also used in the Middle East by the Romans to flavor wine. The large seeds are used ground or whole as a spice in cooking and are included in almost every curry mix. In Central Europe, it is also used as a bread spice and is added to certain hard cheeses. The leaves and seeds have a slightly sweet, bitter, and nutty flavor. Fenugreek is well known for its potential health benefits. The seeds are used in herbal medicine as a proven effective means of lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels, supporting digestion, and relieving menstrual cramps. It also has many other uses in soaps and cosmetics due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Its seeds and leaves are often used in the production of teas, powders, or capsules. As a green manure, it contributes to nitrogen fixation in the soil, thereby increasing soil fertility. Its deep taproot loosens compacted soil, making it better aerated and suitable for subsequent crops. A hardy plant for demanding conditions. Its flowers, which bloom for up to 40 days, are extremely attractive to bees and make it a valuable bee pasture.

5g is sufficient for approx. 2 m²

 General information 
Plant family: Fabaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low until Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 0°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable loamy soil

pH value: 6 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 4-7 days
Plant and row spacing: 20x20 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Bean, Pea, Broad bean, Soy
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing is recommended from March to May. The ideal location for the plants is sunny to partially shaded.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from May to July is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is sunny.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing after the last frost is recommended. Then, lightly work the seeds into the soil with a rake. After germination, thin the plants to the specified plant spacing. Fenugreek grows well in well-drained, clay-rich soils, regardless of quality. It tolerates high salinity and drought. In warmer climates, plants thrive more effectively in a partially shaded location in the afternoon.
Fenugreek does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Fenugreek can absorb salt from soils with high salinity, allowing it to be planted with other plants. The leaves can be harvested after about 6 weeks of cultivation, and the seeds after another 6 weeks. Temperatures above 35°C can negatively impact yields and the plant's physiological processes. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
No maintenance required. Soil may dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize nutrient-poor soil before planting; no further fertilization is required afterward.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Trigonella foenum graecum
English names: Fenugreek
German names: Bockshornklee, Griechisches Heu
Portuguese names: Feno grego, Alforva, Alfarva, Fenacho
Spanish names: Alholva
French names: Fenugrec

 Origin 
Country: Portugal