Cumin
Cuminum cyminum
Cumin is a warm-season annual herb grown from seed for its aromatic spice seeds. It needs full sun and about 120 frost-free days from planting to harvest.
Quick facts
- Germination time
- 7–14 days
- Germination temperature
- Not yet verified
- Sowing depth
- 6 mm–1.5 cm¼–½ in
- Spacing between plants
- 10–20 cm4–8 in
- Days to maturity
- Not yet verified
- Sun
- Full sun
Safety for cats and dogs: not yet verified.
By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated
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01 · Overview
About cumin
Cumin is an annual herb grown for its aromatic seeds, which are used as a spice in many cuisines. It is a member of the carrot, celery, and parsley family and is native to the Mediterranean. The plant is vulnerable to frost. Its stems are slender and grow 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) tall, and one profile lists it at up to about 12 inches (30 cm) tall with finely cut, feathery foliage.
Growing details
- Start indoors
- 6–8 weeks before the last frost
- Sow outdoors
- 1–2 weeks after the last frost
- Water
- Not yet verified
- Containers
- Not yet verified
- Height
- 20–30 cm8–12 in
- Spread
- Not yet verified
- Frost tolerance
- Tender (no frost)
- Soil pH
- Not yet verified
- Life cycle
- Annual
Sowing timeline
When to sow cumin seeds
Counted from your area's average last spring frost date. Find yours from a local weather service or garden center, then count back or forward.
- Germination time
- 7–14 days
- Frost tolerance
- Tender (no frost)
02 · How to grow
How to grow cumin from seed
Sowing. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the average last frost date, or start them outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after that date. Soak seeds for 8 hours before planting to help germination. Plant a group of 4 seeds about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep; another guide gives ¼ to ½ inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) deep when night temperatures stay above 50 °F (10 °C). Seeds should germinate in 7 to 14 days.
Planting close together. Sow seeds close together in the row or bed so the young plants can support each other.
Transplanting. Cumin does not transplant well. If you start seeds in pots, use biodegradable pots and bury the entire pot.
Site. Plants need full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. They need 3 to 4 warm months in summer for good seed production, and about 120 frost-free days from planting to harvest.
Thinning. When seedlings are about 2 inches (5 cm) tall, thin them to one plant every 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm).
03 · Care
Caring for cumin
Watering. Water regularly, letting the soil nearly dry out between waterings, then soak it thoroughly. The plant is listed as drought tolerant.
At a glance
How cumin compares with other herbs
Worked out from the growing facts of the 30 seeds in Herbs on SeedBattle.
- Cumin
- Each of the other herbs
- Their average
- Germination timeSprouts sooner than average
7–14 days
Average for herbs: 12 days, from 20 other seeds
- Sowing depthDeeper than average
6 mm–1.5 cm¼–½ in
Average for herbs: 5 mm¼ in, from 16 other seeds
- Spacing between plantsCloser than average
10–20 cm4–8 in
Average for herbs: 36 cm14 in, from 13 other seeds
- HeightShorter than average
20–30 cm8–12 in
Average for herbs: 71 cm2½ ft, from 27 other seeds
04 · Problems
Common cumin problems
Aphids, fusarium wilt, alternaria blight, and powdery mildew are listed as problems for this plant. Another profile describes it as generally pest-free and disease-free.
05 · Harvest
Harvesting cumin
Harvest. Seed is harvested in late summer. Once the flower clusters are dry and brown, cut the stems containing the clusters close to the ground. Put the clusters in a paper bag, hang them upside down in a dark, warm place, and let them dry completely. Then thrash the bag to release the seeds, or rub the seed pods together. Each plant makes only a few fruit, and each fruit holds one seed, so you need a large crop to collect a useful amount.
Cumin questions
How long do cumin seeds take to germinate?
Seeds should germinate in 7 to 14 days.
Can I grow cumin in a pot?
Cumin is listed for container landscapes. Because it does not transplant well, use biodegradable pots and bury the whole pot when you start seeds.
When should I plant cumin?
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the average last frost date, or sow outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after it.
Does cumin need full sun?
Yes, the plant grows in full sun, meaning 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day.
Quick answers
More cumin questions
Short answers taken from the growing facts on this page.
How deep should I sow cumin seeds?
Sow them 6 mm–1.5 cm¼–½ in deep.
How far apart should I plant cumin?
Space the plants 10–20 cm4–8 in apart.
How tall does cumin grow?
Cumin grows 20–30 cm8–12 in tall.
Can cumin survive frost?
No. Cumin is tender, so it can't take frost.
Is cumin an annual or a perennial?
Cumin is an annual.
Side by side
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Two seeds, every growing fact lined up, so you can pick the one that suits your space.
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