Growing Sesame in Zone 3a
Zone 3a has harsh winters and a short growing season. Start Sesame early indoors to maximize your harvest window. Last frost: May 22. First frost: Sep 12.
Planting Calendar
Apr 10Sep 12
Season: May 22 – Sep 12 (113 days)
Zone3a
Last FrostMay 22
First FrostSep 12
Season Length113 days
Days to Harvest110
SunFull Sun
Frost ToleranceNone
Spacing9/sqft (4" apart)
When to Plant Sesame in Zone 3a
Start Seeds Indoors: Apr 10
Start Sesame seeds indoors around Apr 10 (6 weeks before last frost). Optimal germination temperature: 85°F. Germinates in 5–10 days.
Transplant Outdoors: May 22
Transplant Sesame seedlings outdoors after May 22. Wait until soil temperature reaches 70°F. Space plants at 9/sqft (4" apart). Harden off plants for a week before moving outside.
Harvest: Aug 10
First harvest approximately Aug 10 (~80 days from transplant). Continue harvesting until first frost (Sep 12).
Companion Planting
Sesame in Other Zones
1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13bPlan Your Sesame Garden
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