Fenugreek (methi) Trigonella foenum-graecum
Fenugreek (methi) (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an annual herb in the Fabaceae family, native to Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 15–30 cm (6–12 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 10 cm (4 in) apart.
Plan Fenugreek (methi) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Fenugreek (methi) at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Spacing | 10 cm (4 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–9 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, seeds (spice), sprouts |
| Native to | Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇮🇷 Iran |
Is Fenugreek (methi) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
A food plant; large medicinal doses are avoided in pregnancy. Pet effects not documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Fenugreek (methi)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Fenugreek (methi)
- How far apart should I plant Fenugreek (methi)?
- About 10 cm (4 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 cm (6–12 in).
- Does Fenugreek (methi) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Fenugreek (methi) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Fenugreek (methi)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Fenugreek (methi) flower?
- About 6–9 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks.
- Is Fenugreek (methi) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. A food plant; large medicinal doses are avoided in pregnancy. Pet effects not documented.
- What grows well with Fenugreek (methi)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Sow thickly and cut leaves (methi) from about 4 weeks.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis