When is the best time to sow sesame?

Sesame , as an oil-rich crop, is favored in many application fields due to its high oil content in seeds, which has also led to its cultivation in extensive areas of China. In the process of crop cultivation, the sowing process is crucial, and sesame cultivation also has precise requirements for sowing. Let’s take a look at when is the best time to sow sesame seeds?

When is the best time to sow sesame?

Generally, sesame planted in summer is suitable to be sown between May and June, while sesame planted in autumn can be sown in July. For spring sesame in the Huanghuaihai region, the sowing time needs to be advanced to April. Since sesame prefers a warm climate, whether it is sown in summer or autumn, it should be done during a period of high temperature and high evaporation. In China, May to September is the period with the highest temperature in the year, and the climatic conditions during this period are extremely favorable for the growth of sesame. Therefore, the sowing time must be arranged just right, neither too early nor too late, so as not to miss the best growth period and affect the normal development of sesame.

The timing of sesame sowing is influenced by both variety characteristics and geographical location. In China, summer sesame in Anhui, Henan and other regions usually starts to be planted at the end of May, spring sesame in the Huanghuaihai region needs to be planted at the end of April, and the sesame planting time in the southern region is relatively late, usually scheduled for early July. These timings are designed to ensure that sesame can grow under the most suitable climate conditions.

In terms of sowing methods, sesame planting also requires meticulous operation. Spot seeding, broadcast seeding and drill seeding are all viable seeding methods. The key point is that the sowing depth should be moderate, generally recommended to be 2-3 cm, to facilitate seed germination and growth. At the same time, it is also important to control the sowing spacing. Reasonable spacing helps the balanced growth of sesame plants and field management. Correct sowing depth and spacing are critical to improving sesame yield and quality.

Sesame field management

Soil preparation: Before sowing, deep tillage should be carried out to improve soil structure and increase soil aeration and water retention. At the same time, weeds and residual crops in the fields can be removed to reduce the breeding of pests and diseases.

Reasonable density planting: Arrange the planting density reasonably according to the characteristics of sesame varieties and local climatic conditions. Too dense a planting will lead to fierce competition among plants and affect ventilation and light transmission; too sparse a planting will waste land resources and reduce yields.

Fertilization management: Sesame has a high demand for fertilizers , especially phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Apply sufficient base fertilizer before sowing, and apply nitrogen fertilizer and phosphorus and potassium fertilizer in time during the growth period to promote plant growth and seed filling.

Irrigation management: Although sesame is drought-resistant, timely irrigation is necessary under drought conditions, especially during the flowering and pod stage. Ensuring sufficient water has a positive effect on increasing yield and oil content.

Pest and disease control: Regularly check the occurrence of pests and diseases in the field and take timely prevention and control measures. A combination of biological and chemical control can be used to reduce the impact on the environment.

Pruning management: Prune sesame plants in a timely manner to remove diseased and weak branches and overly dense leaves to improve ventilation and light conditions and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.

Harvest management: Sesame should be harvested in time when it is ripe to avoid over-ripening and causing the seeds to fall off. After harvesting, the fruits should be dried as soon as possible to reduce the moisture content and prevent mold and deterioration.

The above is an introduction to the sowing time and field management key points of sesame. As a crop with broad economic value, sesame has good planting prospects.