Planting Guide for Cumin

Cumin is related to parsley.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is an annual herb that is native to the Mediterranean. Gardeners grow it for the seed, which---when dried---may be added to culinary dishes or used as a condiment.

Timing

Sow cumin seed after all danger of frost has passed. Mid-May is usually the ideal time to sow the seed in order to harvest it by September.

Soil

It's best not to enrich the soil in which you intend to sow cumin seed. The plant should be slightly stressed to produce the aromatic oils for which cumin is known.

Depth

Plant cumin seeds 1/4 inch deep and cover them lightly with soil. Water the area well after planting and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.

References

• Growing Taste: Cumin
• Purdue Agriculture: Cumin
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Herbs In the Florida Garden