Sesamum indicum BLACK SESAME (20 seeds)

Sesame, also known by its Latin name Sesamum indicum, is a robust annual oilseed plant belonging to the Pedaliaceae family. It is an upright herbaceous plant that reaches between 0.60 m and 1.50 m in height. Its stem is quadrangular, grooved, and often covered in fine hairs. It is naturalized in tropical regions worldwide and is cultivated for its edible seeds, which grow inside pods.

The leaves are arranged oppositely at the base of the stem and become alternate toward the top. The lower leaves are lobed, while the upper ones are narrower, lanceolate, and entire. They are a bright green and have a slightly pubescent (fuzzy) texture.

The flowers emerge from the leaf axils on short stalks. They are bell-shaped, with a tubular corolla ending in five lobes. Their color ranges from white to pale pink or mauve, often with darker spots inside the throat.

The small sesame seeds are contained in an elongated capsule with a quadrangular section that bursts open suddenly upon maturity. They are tiny, flat, and oval-shaped, measuring about 3 millimeters. Depending on the variety, their color can be creamy white, yellow, brown, or red, but most notably deep black.

- Uses:

Highly popular in Asian cuisine—particularly in Japan, China, and Korea—black sesame is used for its powerful flavor and spectacular color. It is found as a black sesame paste (kuro-neri-goma) in desserts like mochi, ice cream, or sweet soups. It provides a deep roasted flavor and a unique aesthetic, contrasting elegantly with lighter ingredients.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sesame is considered a longevity food. It is believed to nourish the "Jing" (vital energy) and strengthen the kidneys and liver. Rich in melanin, antioxidants, and calcium, it is traditionally consumed to slow the appearance of gray hair, improve vision, and combat chronic fatigue.

The oil extracted from sesame is a precious ingredient for beauty treatments, especially for hair. Thanks to its high concentration of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, it is used in scalp massages to stimulate circulation, promote growth, and maintain shiny, dark hair.

Do not use for medicinal purposes without seeking medical advice.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The ideal period to sow sesame is starting in May.
• Sow the seeds in a tray of fine potting soil, covered by only a few millimeters of substrate.
• Water gently using a hand sprayer.
• Place the tray in a greenhouse at a temperature of 20°C to 25°C.
• Germination is relatively fast, typically occurring within 2 to 3 weeks after planting.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

Sesame grows best in light, fertile, and perfectly drained soils. Sandy loams are ideal. While it can tolerate poor soils, it dislikes clayey, compact, or saline earth.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

This plant requires full sun throughout its entire cycle. High light intensity is essential not only for growth but also to ensure a high oil concentration in the seeds. It cannot tolerate shade, even partial.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

Sesame is a tropical plant with no frost hardiness. It requires constant heat to grow, ideally between 25°C and 35°C. Germination will not occur below 12°C–15°C, and even the slightest frost is fatal.

- Watering / Water Needs:

Once established, sesame is extremely drought-resistant thanks to its powerful root system. Water needs are most critical during germination and flowering. Conversely, excess water or stagnant humidity is very harmful.

- Pests / Diseases:

Its main enemies are aphids, defoliating caterpillars, and shield bugs that may pierce the capsules. Black sesame is also sensitive to fungal diseases such as fusarium wilt or downy mildew, particularly if the climate is too humid or if there is insufficient air circulation between the plants.