GardenHow to grow fenugreek (methi)
मेथी. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsSeptember to November
South and coastal IndiaOctober to December
HillsMarch to May, July to September
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Sow the seed straight where the plant will grow.
- Depth
- 0.5 to 1 cm
- Spacing
- Scatter thickly, or in rows 15 cm apart
- In a pot
- Any tray or pot 10 to 15 cm deep
- Sprouts in
- 3 to 6 days
- Harvest
- 20 to 30 days for leaves
- Sun
- Light shade is fine; 3 to 4 hours of sun are enough
Tips from the garden
- Methi seed from the kitchen jar grows well. Soak it overnight and scatter it on moist soil.
- For tender greens, cut the whole plant at three to four weeks and sow again. One pot can give several crops in a winter.
- Methi improves the soil. Dig the roots in after the last cutting.
What can go wrong
Seedlings that collapse at soil level are suffering from damping off, caused by wet, airless soil. Sow less thickly and water less.
Sown around the same time
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is fenugreek sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for fenugreek are September to November.
How long does fenugreek take to grow?
Usually 20 to 30 days for leaves.
Can fenugreek be grown in a pot?
Yes. Any tray or pot 10 to 15 cm deep.