How to Harvest Methi Leaves | Growing Methi in Pots

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Last Updated: 19.10.2023

Do you know about picking Fenugreek leaves in a right way? Here is everything you need to know about How to Harvest Methi Leaves!

How to Harvest Methi Leaves

The botanical name of the fenugreek or methi plant is Trigonella foenum-graecum. It can be grown throughout the year in almost all kinds of climates. Methi is broadly cultivated for its seeds and leaves. The leaves are oblong, consisting of three small leaflets, and slightly bitter in taste. Let’s see How to Harvest Methi Leaves!

Common Indian Names: Methi, Mente, Mentepalle, Bahuptrika, Bahuparni, Vendayam, Gandhbija, Mentesoffu, Uluva, Chandrika, Maithi, Kasuri Methi, Samudra Methi, Menthya, Menthulu, Methya


Methi Cultivation in India

Methi is a small plant that can grow up to 10-50 cm in height. It is one of the highly cultivated medicinal plants that also has many culinary benefits. Especially in the Indian subcontinent, it is cultivated for its seeds and leaves.

India is not only a major producer of Methi or fenugreek, but it is also the world’s biggest exporter. Rajasthan is the largest methi producing state in India and accounts for almost 80% of the total production of methi in the country.

Some other states that commercially cultivate Methi are Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.


How to Grow Methi?

It is possible to grow methi at home in pots easily. This vegetable can be grown in any climate may it be cold or warm. 

Propagation

The easiest way of propagating methi is from seed, which is easily available everywhere. However, it is advisable to buy good quality seeds from a nearby nursery.

You can also find these seeds in grocery shops and in your kitchen, but these seeds do not guarantee germination. If you are using the seeds from your kitchen or a grocery store, do remember to soak the seeds overnight to improve the chances of germination.

Besides, these plants do not favor transplantation; thus, it is best to plant them directly at the chosen spot or container.

Choosing a pot

If you are growing methi plants in containers, it is important to choose the right one. They do not require a deep container as they do not have bigger roots.

So you can go for shallow but wide pots, with one or two drainage holes at the bottom. A pot at least 6-8 inches wide is fine for growing this veggie.

Soil

Methi plants do well under slightly alkaline conditions. Soils with a pH range of 6.5-8.2 are ideal for growing these plants. When growing methi in pots, mix one-part compost or rotted cow dung manure and three-part rich potting mix. Add this to your plants, place the seeds at least 1-2 inches apart and cover with another layer of soil and water.

Location and Climate

These plants perform well under warm climatic conditions. The ideal temperature range for growing methi plant is from 10-35°C. Methi plants require around 4-6 hours of direct sunlight. Especially if you are growing them in colder climates choosing the right spot is important.

Watering

It is very important to keep the soil well-drained while growing methi plants. The plant requires moist soil to grow well, but over-watering it may lead to root rot. When growing the plant indoors, pay proper attention to its watering needs.


Methi Plant Care

How to Harvest Methi Leaves 2

The plant does not require much attention and can do well on its own. Here are some pointers on how you can take care of your plants.

Fertilizer

The Methi plant does not require a lot of fertilizer. Just mix some natural fertilizers like cow manure or compost in the soil when potting. This can keep your plant healthy.

Pest and Diseases

Although the plant is not prone to many diseases or pests, however, be careful about charcoal rot, aphids, powdery mildew, and root rot. You can easily treat these pests and diseases with organic fertilizer. You can also use homemade pesticides like soap mixture and neem oil spray to eliminate these diseases.


How to Harvest Methi Leaves?

Methi leaves are ready for their first harvest around 20-30 days from the day of the plantation. You can gently trim the leaves from the plant and use them for various culinary purposes.

Make sure to trim the leaves so that you leave the twigs attached, as they will again grow back in the next 15 days. You may need to wait 2-4 more months to harvest the seeds.

1 thought on “How to Harvest Methi Leaves | Growing Methi in Pots”

  1. “The seeds are dried and powdered to make a spice called coriander powder”

    > How can Fenugreek leaves give you Coriander seeds for your Coriander powder lol!

    Reply

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