Sesame Sesamum indicum
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is an annual vegetable in the Pedaliaceae family, native to Domesticated in South Asia (wild relatives in India and Africa). It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
Plan Sesame in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Sesame at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Pedaliaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–9 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 110 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: seeds |
| Native to | Domesticated in South Asia (wild relatives in India and Africa) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇨🇳 China, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Sesame toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Sesame is a major food allergen for some people.
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 Sesame
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Sesame
- How far apart should I plant Sesame?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Sesame need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Sesame need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Sesame?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Sesame flower?
- About 6–9 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks.
- Is Sesame poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Sesame is a major food allergen for some people.
- What grows well with Sesame?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Sesame. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- Needs heat; pods split at maturity (“open sesame”), so harvest stems just before they dry.
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
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus
- Cucumber Cucumis sativus
- Zucchini (courgette) Cucurbita pepo