When to Plant Cumin in Spokane County, WA
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.
Spokane County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 1,645 feet, Spokane County receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season.
Spokane County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.2
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
Cumin Planting Timeline — Spokane County, WA
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Harvest | August 17 | Aug 17 – Oct 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| 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
6 – 8
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
139 days
Growing Tips for Spokane 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 Spokane County, WA?
Spokane County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Spokane County, WA?
Spokane County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Spokane County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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