Legumes · Easy
Fenugreek microgreens
Trigonella foenum-graecum
A tray sown thickly, in the dark then in the light, for a handful of spicy shoots in two weeks.
- EC (mS/cm)
- n/a
- pH
- n/a
- Cycle
- very short
- Difficulty
- Easy
Sound origin
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is native to North Africa and the Mediterranean basin; the Egyptians grew it 4000 years ago. Its seeds and leaves flavor Indian, African and Middle Eastern cooking.
Source: Wikipedia
What it provides nutrients
No reference nutritional values have been published for this plant in the Ciqual table (ANSES) or in USDA data: we'd rather not make anything up.
Key steps
- Same method as other microgreens: soak the seeds, sow densely, a few days in the dark, then into the light (Penn State).
- Harvest a few days to two weeks after germination, depending on the size you want (Penn State).
- A strong, slightly bitter taste reminiscent of celery and walnut: a few sprigs are enough in a salad or a curry.
- Its leaves, called “methi,” are a classic ingredient in Indian cooking.
- Seeds sold at the grocery store: choose seeds intended for sowing or sprouting instead.
- Rinse with drinking water before eating (Penn State).
In which system?
| Tower | NFT | Growing medium | Kratky |
|---|---|---|---|
Approximate calendar
| Sowing | Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec. |
| Plants | none |
| Harvest | Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec. |
Garden, patio, balcony: Belgian and northern French climate, earlier farther south. Estimates to adjust with your own dates.
Frequently asked questions
Fenugreek microgreens in hydroponics: what pH?
No specific range is published for this crop in the Oklahoma State table: we do not force an unverified figure. Start from the common range of 5.5–7.0 and write down your results.
Fenugreek microgreens in hydroponics: what EC?
Oklahoma State has published no value for this crop. Start low, watch the growth and record your measurements in a log.
Fenugreek microgreens: which hydroponic system?
Best suited: growing medium (Dutch bucket). Thickly sown tray, in the dark then in light, for a handful of spicy shoots in two weeks.
Fenugreek microgreens: when to sow in Belgium?
Indicative window for a garden, patio or balcony in Belgium or northern France: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Adjust with your own dates.