Herb – Cumin

Description

Cumin

50 Seeds per pack

Annual Herb

Days to Maturity: Up to 120 Days

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Botanical Name: (Cuminum cyminum)

A key ingredient in Mexican, Middle Eastern, Eastern European, and Mediterranean dishes, cumin is widely valued not just in the kitchen but also in the garden for its useful and ornamental qualities. Its feathery, fern-like leaves and soft white to pink umbels make it well-suited for an attractive herb garden or tucked into a flower bed, where its delicate foliage adds a quiet background.

Plants grow 12–20 inches tall and spread about 12–15 inches. After flowering, they set small, fragrant seeds that range from yellow-brown to deep brown or black depending on conditions. The plant prefers warm, sunny spots and handles drought well. Its flowers draw beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybugs, making it a solid choice near pest-prone crops.

The seeds are used whole, roasted, fried in oil to bring out their aroma, or ground into powder. Young leaves can be picked for fresh use, while seeds are harvested at full maturity and dried for storage. Its flavor is earthy and pungent—stronger than caraway, adding a savory depth to dishes like curries, chili, hummus, and pickles.

Cumin has also been used traditionally to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and support respiratory health. Durable and useful, it remains a standard in the kitchen.

Planting Instructions for Cumin Seeds

When to Plant:
Cumin needs a long, warm growing season and is sensitive to frost. In regions with short summers, start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost. Soak seeds for 8 hours before sowing to improve germination. Transplant seedlings outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and daytime temperatures consistently stay above 60°F (16°C). In warmer climates with long summers, you can direct sow cumin seeds outdoors 1–2 weeks after the last frost.

Where to Plant:
Choose a full sun location that receives at least 6 hours of direct light per day. Cumin prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 7.0 and 7.5. Avoid areas that lack protection from wind or are prone to standing water. Raised beds or sheltered garden spots are ideal. In humid climates, space plants well and provide good airflow to reduce the risk of mildew or rot.

How to Plant:
Plant seeds ¼–½″ (6–12 mm) deep, either in seed trays or directly into the soil. Sow in clusters of 3–4 seeds every 4–8″ (10–20 cm), with 18–24″ (45–60 cm) between rows. Once seedlings reach 2″ tall, thin to 1 plant per cluster. Germination takes 7–14 days at 65–70°F (18–21°C). During germination, keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy. After seedlings emerge, water gently and allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings—cumin dislikes wet feet.

Care and Maintenance:
Cumin is a low-maintenance annual that requires only occasional watering once established. Use compost tea during the growing season for a nutrient boost, and avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen. Support may be needed in windy areas as the stems can be top-heavy during flowering.

When to Harvest:
Cumin matures in about 120 days. Harvest when the seed heads turn brown and the seeds are fully formed but haven’t yet fallen. Cut entire stems and hang them upside-down in a paper bag or over a tray to catch the drying seeds. Leaves can be picked earlier and used fresh in salads for a fragrant, dill-like flavor.

Seed Saving Tips:
Allow seed heads to dry fully, then shake or rub to release the crescent-shaped seeds and store them in a cool, dark, and dry place. We offer seed-saving envelopes that simplify storage—each one includes a label area for noting the variety name and harvest date.

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