Sesame illustration

Growing Sesame in Zone 4a

Zone 4a has cold winters and a moderate growing season. Timing is key for Sesame in this zone. Last frost: May 5. First frost: Oct 1.

Planting Calendar

Indoor
Outdoor
Harvest
Mar 24Oct 1

Season: May 5 – Oct 1 (149 days)

Zone4a
Last FrostMay 5
First FrostOct 1
Season Length149 days
Days to Harvest110
SunFull Sun
Frost ToleranceNone
Spacing9/sqft (4" apart)

When to Plant Sesame in Zone 4a

Start Seeds Indoors: Mar 24

Start Sesame seeds indoors around Mar 24 (6 weeks before last frost). Optimal germination temperature: 85°F. Germinates in 5–10 days.

Transplant Outdoors: May 5

Transplant Sesame seedlings outdoors after May 5. Wait until soil temperature reaches 70°F. Space plants at 9/sqft (4" apart). Harden off plants for a week before moving outside.

Harvest: Jul 24

First harvest approximately Jul 24 (~80 days from transplant). Continue harvesting until first frost (Oct 1).

Companion Planting

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