I thought you might have seen our mystery seeds from last week decorating a bun or bagel. They were sesame seeds, Sesamum indicum.
Sesame plants are annuals that can grow to be four feet tall. They have white flowers and cylindrical seed pods.
(Illustration in the public domain, from Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen)
Sesame has been grown in the Middle East for centuries, as well as being cultivated in India. It is known for being very drought tolerant.
Although sesame does grow in Arizona, I have not personally had any success yet, hence the lack of photographs. Sometimes it is simply a matter of finding the right planting time and remembering to get the seeds in the ground.
Have you ever grown sesame? When did you plant it?
