Growing Sesame in Zone 5b
Zone 5b has cold winters and a moderate growing season. Timing is key for Sesame in this zone. Last frost: Apr 28. First frost: Oct 8.
Planting Calendar
Mar 17Oct 8
Season: Apr 28 – Oct 8 (163 days)
Zone5b
Last FrostApr 28
First FrostOct 8
Season Length163 days
Days to Harvest110
SunFull Sun
Frost ToleranceNone
Spacing9/sqft (4" apart)
When to Plant Sesame in Zone 5b
Start Seeds Indoors: Mar 17
Start Sesame seeds indoors around Mar 17 (6 weeks before last frost). Optimal germination temperature: 85°F. Germinates in 5–10 days.
Transplant Outdoors: Apr 28
Transplant Sesame seedlings outdoors after Apr 28. 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 17
First harvest approximately Jul 17 (~80 days from transplant). Continue harvesting until first frost (Oct 8).
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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