When to Plant Cumin in Wasco County, OR
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.
Wasco County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 432 feet, Wasco County receives approximately 35.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cumin to ensure they mature before fall.
Wasco County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wasco County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cumin Planting Timeline — Wasco County, OR
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Oct 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 3 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
172 days in Wasco County
Growing Tips for Wasco 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cumin in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cumin in Wasco County, OR?
Wasco County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wasco County, OR?
Wasco County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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