key growing information

How to Grow Cumin From Seed

How to grow cumin from seed: direct sowing in warm weather, close spacing to prevent lodging, soil, and harvesting and grinding the seed.
By Hensley’s Seed Co.

Cumin - Key Growing Information

A close-up of the blossoms of a cumin plant (Cuminum cyminum), an herb revered for its medicinal and culinary uses.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

Usually 7–14 days.

SOWING:

Sowing in place is recommended. Cumin needs a long, warm season to ripen its seed. Plant 1/4–1/2" deep in a prepared bed once nights stay above 50°F (10°C). The slender plants tend to flop over (lodge), especially after heavy rain or while flowering, though this doesn't hurt seed production. Sowing thickly in the row or bed lets plants hold each other up. Thin to 4–6" apart.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Ordinary to moderately rich soil with good drainage.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Full sun.

PLANT HEIGHT:

Grows about 6–12" tall.

PLANT SPACING:

Space plants 4–6" apart.

HARDINESS ZONES:

Grown as an annual.

HARVEST:

Seed is ready when plump and dark tan and the foliage has died down. Pick seed heads by hand, or pull whole plants and hang them to dry; dry seed shakes off easily.
Note: Grind the seed to a fine powder with a mortar and pestle.

Source and attribution

Migrated library resource. Original named people, organizations, research, and factual provenance are retained.