Fenugreek is an annual plant in the family Fabaceae, with leaves consisting of three small obovate to oblong leaflets. It is cultivated worldwide as a semiarid crop. Its seeds and leaves are common ingredients in dishes from South and Central Asia.
Native to southern Europe and Asia, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) has been cultivated for centuries as a spice and for its medicinal qualities. Herbal fenugreek is used to treat a variety of conditions, including coughs, sore throat, bronchitis, constipation and minor skin irritations. In the kitchen, fresh fenugreek leaves are cooked like spinach and tangy, mustard-yellow fenugreek seeds are used as a spice, often in Middle Eastern dishes. Dried or fresh fenugreek leaves are brewed into a flavorful tea.
The soil should be well drained, and should be amended with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Mix manure or compost in the soil when planting fenugreek. Additionally, apply a liquid fertilizer to boost growth.
Plant fenugreek seeds directly in the garden after frost danger has passed in spring. Can be grown in containers at average room temperatures.
