When to Plant Cumin in Ashley County, AR
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.
Ashley County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 1,028 feet, Ashley County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season.
Ashley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Ashley County
How your county's soil matches Cumin's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.7) is more acidic than Cumin prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ashley County is excellent for Cumin — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Cumin prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Cumin.
How to Plant Cumin
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cumin Planting Timeline — Ashley County, AR
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 27 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
231 days in Ashley County
Growing Tips for Cumin in Ashley County
Direct sow Cumin outdoors after March 19 in Ashley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cumin in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Level Up Your Garden
Cumin in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cumin in Ashley County, AR?
Ashley County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ashley County, AR?
Ashley County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ashley County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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