How to Grow Fenugreek : Guide to Growing Methi

Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum) is an annual growing herb native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia. Fenugreek herb is not only very easy to grow from seeds in pots or ground, but is also extremely beneficial herb.

Its fresh leaves are used in some Indian dishes and veggie curries and seeds in curry powders. Methi leaves are used in Thepla, which are very popular in Gujarati meals, and are used for regular meals, breakfast and during travelling. India is the largest grower of fenugreek.

Fenugreek is known by various names like Methi, Greek Hay, Foenugreek, Fenigreek, Bird’s Foot, Hilba, Trigonella, Cow’s Horn, Goat’s Horn, etc

Plant Description

Fenugreek Methi Leaves

The fenugreek plant can grow to a height of 60 cm. It has three-lobed triangular leaves, hence the generic name trigonell. The plant produces yellow flowers which form beans containing fenugreek seeds. The fenugreek methi grows very quickly.
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Fenugreek Growing Guide

When to Plant

1. Fenugreek grows well in spring to early autumn seasons. I have also grown it in winter in Sydney, but the growth is slow.
2. In the areas of frost, it may be started indoors 5 weeks prior to the last frost of the season. 

Position

Fenugreek should be planted in full sun to part shade.

Soil

1. Methi grows well in a neutral to slightly acid (pH 6.0-7.0) soil.
2. Dig the ground to a depth of 25 cm and break big chunks of soil. Mix some river sand to make it free draining.
3. Mix lots of organic material like compost and aged manure to make the soil fertile.

Pots or ground?

The fenugreek methi can be grown in any container or ground.The advantage of growing it in a pot is that it can be moved to indoors in the case of frost.

Fenugreek Seeds

Sowing the seeds

1. The plant does not like to be transplanted after germination, so the seeds should be sown at the final place. Or you can sow seeds in biodegradable pots which can be put directly into the ground later on.
2. Buy good quality seeds from garden shop or use the seeds from your previous crop.
3. Sow seeds about 5 cm deep and 5 cm apart in straight line trenches for seed sowing. You can also sow the seeds in criss-cross patterns. In stead of sowing in trenches, you can just sprinkle the seeds on the bed and cover with soil.
4. Water well and keep soil well-moistened.
5. Seeds will germinate in 3-5 days.
6. In the areas of frost, it may be started indoors 5 weeks prior to the last frost of the season. The seedlings can be transplanted outdoors when the soil temperature is around 15°C (60°F).
7. I sow seeds every 2-3 weeks in the season, so that when the first set of plants die, I am having the next set to get fresh methi.

Methi Plants Growing in a Pot

Watering

Keep the soil moist, but do not over-water.

Fertilizer

1. Feed the plants with fish emulsion spray regularly.
2. Fenugreek plants add nitrogen to the soil as broad beans do, so they are good to add nitrogen to the soil.

Harvesting Methi Leaves

Methi leaves will be ready to harvest within 3-4 weeks. I just chop the leaves from the top of the plants as and when I need it in the kitchen. This will encourage more growth and you will be able to harvest again fresh leaves after 2-3 weeks.

Harvesting Methi Seeds

1. The plants will produce beans containing fenugreek seeds.
2. If you want to make fenugreek seeds, continue feeding and watering till the plants start to die.
3. Collect the seed pods and thresh them to extract the seeds. Leave the seeds in the sun to dry.
4. Save the pods until you sow the seeds next time.
5. Store the methi seeds can be stored in an air-tight container and keep in a dry, dark spot.

How To Store Fresh Methi Leaves For Long

1. You can store methi leaves for many months almost as fresh as the new ones, with no change in their colour, taste or flavour. The method is given below:
2. Harvest fresh fenugreek leaves from your plants or buy from the market.
3. Chop the leaves roughly and wrap in aluminium foil lightly. Make 2-3 such packets.
4. Put the packets in a Ziploc bag and freeze it.
5. When you want to use the methi leaves, simply take out a packet, open it and wash and use.
6. It is better not to wash the leaves before chopping to reduce the moisture, otherwise the leaves will rot in the fridge.

References

1. Trigonella foenum-graecum information from NPGS/GRIN,  www.ars-grin.gov.
2. V. A. Parthasarathy, K. Kandinnan and V. Srinivasan (ed.). "Fenugreek". Organic Spices. New India Publishing Agencies. p. 694.