Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Almanac Planting Co Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). A bunch growing in a field with white flowers on top.

Overview

Uses: Annual herb (fresh or dried), spice (from seeds), and vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and microgreens). Ideal as a potted plant or as an outdoor plant. 

Benefits: Use its foliage and seeds as a spice for food. White, yellow, and blueish flowers are visually appealing and attractive to pollinators. 

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9

Sun: Full

Life Cycle: Annual

Mature Height: 24"

Mature Width: 12"

Summary

Fenugreek—also commonly known as Bird's Foot, and Greek Clover—is a clover-like, annual herb rich in naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals. It contains large amounts of iron, magnesium, and zinc, which support the body's immune functions, energy production, and metabolism. Fenugreek is also a great source of dietary fiber, which supports digestion and contributes to healthy gut flora and regularity.

Its foliage and green stems have a flavor quite similar to maple syrup, and are often used as a flavoring in butterscotch, cheese, vanilla, licorice, pickles, teas, and syrups.

The small, 1/4" seeds, which have a strong spicy odor, are dried and ground to be used as a spice. They're also often turned into a paste and used as a condiment. The seeds have a flavor similar to that of its foliage, and are often used as a seasoning in curry dishes, and imitation maple syrup. 

Fenugreek is commonly promoted as a natural medicine for a variety of ailments, although there is little high-quality evidence that supports its benefits. 

Care

Fenugreek Care

Plant fenugreek in full sun. A minimum of 6 hours of sun exposure is suggested daily. 

Keep its soil slightly moist, but not wet.

Fertilize as required, especially if planted in poor soil. Our slow release fertilizer is a great option. 

Do not expose to temperatures below freezing for prolonged periods of time.

Does best in temperatures between 45°F and 80°F.

Size

Size of Fenugreek for Sale Online

The Fenugreek that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.

Size of Fenugreek When Fully Grown

Fenugreek typically grows to a height of 15" - 24"  and a width of around 12". 

Additional Information

Common Names of Trigonella foenum-graecum

  • Fenugreek

  • Bird's Foot

  • Goat's Horn

  • Greek Clover

  • Greek Hay

  • Greek Hayseed

Toxicity and Risks of Fenugreek

Fenugreek may be toxic in high doses, but is typically considered safe if consumed in levels commonly found in food. 

Certain individuals may have allergies to fenugreek, including those with peanut and chickpea allergies. 

Pregnant women, children, and those with certain cancers should not consume fenugreek in doses greater than commonly found in food.

Potential side effects of fenugreek include diarrhea, nausea, and other digestive tract symptoms and rarely, dizziness and headaches. Large doses may cause a harmful drop in blood sugar, and/or cause liver damage. 

Almanac Planting Co Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). A bunch of freshly cut leaves and stems with flowers, along side of a bowl full of seeds.

*This plant is a part of our Archived Plant Collection. Although no longer for sale on our online store, we keep pages like this on our site for the informational benefit of others. Please contact us if you're interested in purchasing large quantities of this plant, as we may be able to specially source and deliver plants for you.