When to Plant Cumin in Chicot 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.
Chicot County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.
At an elevation of 1,421 feet, Chicot County receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cumin root diseases.
Chicot County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cumin Planting Timeline — Chicot County, AR
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Direct Sow | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 21 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
100–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 8
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
243 days
Growing Tips for Chicot County
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 Chicot County, AR?
Chicot County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Chicot County, AR?
Chicot County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Chicot County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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