In the United States, sesame is grown in the Southwestern, Southern, and South Central States. Although there was essentially no production in 1971, there is considerable interest in reviving production. Tests have shown that under extremely favorable conditions as much as 2,000 pounds of seed per acre can be produced. U. S. Dept. In the nonshattering cultivars the leaves are cupped and have small leaflike outgrowths on their underside.
Some cultivars have many branches, whereas others are relatively unbranched.
Thousands of cultivars are known, with lifespans ranging from 2 to 6 months. Because large-scale cultivation equipment can be used, growers can handle large acreages. One flower is produced at the axil of each leaf. The lower flowers usually begin blooming 2 to 3 months after seeding, and blooming continues for some time until the uppermost flowers are open. Sesame is a source of nectar and some honey for beekeepers primarily because it flowers in midsummer when little else in the area is blooming.