When to plant Cumin in Buckingham, IL
For Buckingham, gardeners: plant Cumin April 6 through April 27 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cumin in Buckingham, IL
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.
Buckingham, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 1,113 feet, Kankakee County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season.
Buckingham Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.8
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Kankakee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cumin Planting Timeline — Buckingham, IL
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Kankakee County
Growing Tips for Buckingham
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
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Cumin in Other Locations
When should I plant Cumin in Buckingham, IL?
In Buckingham, IL, plant Cumin after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Buckingham, IL for Cumin?
Buckingham sits in USDA Zone 5b. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cumin grow in Buckingham's climate?
Yes — Cumin grows well in Buckingham's temperate climate. Buckingham averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 14.
Your Kankakee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kankakee County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.