Fenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Botanical family: Fabaceae
A Mediterranean and Asian annual legume, grown for its aromatic seeds (a curry and hazelnut flavour) and its leaves (methi).
Full sun
Light, drained
Low: tolerates heat and dry soils; severe drought still cuts the harvest
Hardy (annual)
Sown in autumn, overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
An annual legume: fixes nitrogen and makes a good green manure.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Insects attracted or useful
Seasons & availability
Young shoots in spring and summer; seed harvested in late summer.
Available: May, June, July, August, September.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Garden Organic, « Fenugreek, Methi » (gardenorganic.org.uk/expert-advice/how-to-grow/growing-guides/vegetables-herbs-guides/how-to-grow-fenugreek)
- Plants For A Future, « Trigonella foenum-graecum » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trigonella+foenum-graecum)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
May lower blood sugar (monitoring in case of diabetes treatment) and stimulate the uterus; reproductive toxicity at high dose: to be avoided at a medicinal dose during pregnancy; possible allergy to legumes (peanut, soy, chickpea).
Family behaviour: Legumes
In general, Legumes fix nitrogen from the air in most cases, thanks to the Rhizobium in their root nodules. They mainly enrich the soil for the following crops, as their residues decompose. Ideal in a rotation, before nitrogen-hungry plants such as nightshades.
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Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Species
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun exposure.
- • Ideal soil: light, drained.