picture of sesame seed plant White Sesame Seeds - For 2026 Planting Benne Gingelly Til Simsim Ellu

picture of sesame seed plant White Sesame Seeds - For 2026 Planting Benne Gingelly Til Simsim ElluWhite Sesame Seeds have a rich history dating back thousands of years. They are small but mighty, typically measure 2 3 millimeters in a unique tear drop shape on plants 3 6 feet in height. Sesame seeds are prized for their oil and nutritional value and have been cultivated in ancient civilizations. These tiny seeds symbolize wisdom and immortality in various cultures and are often associated with good luck and prosperity. Sprinkle sesame seeds on

White Sesame Seeds have a rich history dating back thousands of years. They are small but mighty, typically measure 2-3 millimeters in a unique tear-drop shape on plants 3-6 feet in height. Sesame seeds are prized for their oil and nutritional value and have been cultivated in ancient civilizations. These tiny seeds symbolize wisdom and immortality in various cultures and are often associated with good luck and prosperity. Sprinkle sesame seeds on bread and rolls for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Or grind sesame seeds to make tahini, a key ingredient in hummus and other Middle Eastern dishes, or to make toasted sesame oil, a key ingredient in Asian stir-fries, sauces, and dressings. Or simple garnish salads, noodles, and sushi rolls for added texture and flavor.

Also Known As: Benne, Gingelly, Til, Simsim, Ellu, Sesame, Goma, Zhi Ma, Ajónjolí,  Halhala, Shirogoma, Sesame Semilla, Teel, Sesamo.

Plant Name:	Sesame, White
Latin Name:	Sesamum Indicum
Days to Germinate:	10-17
Days to Harvest:	90
Plant Height:	5 - 6 Feet
Spread:	2 - 3 Feet
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	5-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For an earlier harvest, you may start planting Sesame indoors in containers 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 70F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Sow Sesame after all danger of frost has passed in Spring and the soil is at least 70F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting in an areas with mild winters (USDA 8-11). To plant, make holes 1/2 inch deep and spaced 12 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, seeds may be scattered and gently watered in.Or broadcast seeds and, once seedlings emerge, plants can be separated and spaced 12 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/2 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	12 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

Sesame plants are ready for harvest about 3 to 4 months after planting, when seed pods have turned from green to a yellow-brown or tan color. The seeds inside will rattle when the pods are shaken, signaling they are fully mature. When most of the capsules have either opened or are on the verge of opening, cut the entire plant at the base, then hang plants upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area to allow the remaining seeds to fully dry out in the pods. Once dry, thresh or gently shake or tap the plants to release the seeds, or manually split the capsules open. After harvesting, the seeds can be cleaned and stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to preserve their quality.