How to Grow Cumin Seeds

Cumin is one of a variety of spices used to flavor foods.

Cumin is a spice used in many different recipes and styles of food, but it is commonly associated with Mexican dishes in the United States. Cumin is native to the Mediterranean, where the moderate climate allows for availability all year. In most regions of the world though, including most of the U.S., cumin can be grown only during the summer growing season. If you would like to add cumin seeds to your homegrown foods, you can start the plants from seeds.

Things You'll Need

• Cumin seeds
• Trowel or spade
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Plant cumin when you plant your summer vegetable garden, in the late spring when all threat of frost is gone. According to Growing Taste, cumin is susceptible to frost and won't grow if exposed to a frost early in its life cycle.

2. Loosen the soil with a trowel or spade in a spot that sits at least a few inches from any other plant growing in your garden. Since cumin is a strong spice, it may flavor plants with which it comes into contact. Create a spot for the cumin seeds, where they can grow together.

3. Place two dozen or more cumin seeds in the spot you prepared for the cumin. You do not need any special soil to help cumin seeds sprout. Keep the seeds close, only 1/2-inch or an inch apart, which allows them to grow very closely together and support each others' weight. Cover the cumin seeds with a light layer, 1/4-inch to 1/2 inch of soil.

4. Water the spot where the cumin seeds are planted so the soil is moist. Continue to water the plant every day, or several times a day if you are in a dry region where the soil dries out, to keep the soil moist.

5. Check the cumin plants as they grow for seeds that form. According to Growing Taste, cumin plants planted at the same time may grow and produce seeds at different rates. Check them every few days to look for fully formed seeds to harvest.

Tips & Warnings

• Like most vegetables and herbs, cumin needs well-drained soil. Once planted, cumin seeds and plants need regular watering to keep the soil moist, but should never be left standing in water.

References

• Food.com: Cumin
• Green Chronicle: Cumin Herb
• Growing Taste: Cumin