Description
Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.
Thomas Jefferson planted Sesame, or "Benni", for many years at Monticello in order to press a salad oil from the seeds. He wrote in 1811, "I did not believe there existed so perfect a substitute for olive oil". Sesame has been cultivated for centuries as a food in India and tropical Africa, but in European countries it has been used primarily for the oil. Jefferson also planted Sesame as a border plant because of its ornamental qualities. Jefferson-documented: This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.
Native Distribution: Sub-Saharan Africa
Direct sow seeds into a well-drained fertile soil after the last spring frost. For shorter growing seasons, start seeds indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date. Approximately 145-150 seeds per packet.
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