Blog

When to plant Cumin in Hilliard, FL

Spring Cumin in Hilliard goes in January 24–February 14, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from October 6 to October 20 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cumin in Hilliard, FL

Cumin is a warm-season annual herb whose seeds are one of the most widely used spices globally. It requires a long, hot growing season of 3-4 months.

Hilliard, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 290 days.

At an elevation of 408 feet, Nassau County receives approximately 57.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Cumin may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cumin will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cumin root diseases.

Hilliard, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
290 days
Last Spring Frost February 14
290 growing days
First Fall Frost December 1

Hilliard Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-5.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Cumin

Cumin needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cumin Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Nassau County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cumin Planting Timeline — Hilliard, FL

Cumin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 17 Jan 17 – Jan 31
Transplant Outdoors February 7 Feb 7 – Feb 21
Direct Sow January 24 Jan 24 – Feb 14
Harvest May 23 May 23 – Jul 25
Fall Sowing October 6 Oct 6 – Oct 20

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

100–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

290 days in Nassau County

Growing Tips for Hilliard

Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before last frost. Transplant after all danger of frost. Harvest when seed heads turn brown. Requires consistent warmth for proper seed development.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Cumin in Hilliard, FL?

In Hilliard, FL, plant Cumin after the last frost (around February 14) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hilliard, FL for Cumin?

Hilliard sits in USDA Zone 9a. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cumin grow in Hilliard's climate?

Yes — Cumin grows well in Hilliard's temperate climate. Hilliard averages a 291-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 14 and first frost around December 1.

🌱

Your Nassau County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nassau County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Nassau County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.