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When to Plant Cumin in Wilcox County, AL

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.

Wilcox County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 51 feet, Wilcox County receives approximately 61 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90Β°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cumin, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cumin root diseases.

Wilcox County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Wilcox County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

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 β€” 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 5.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 5.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Wilcox County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cumin Planting Timeline β€” Wilcox County, AL

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
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 – Aug 22
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 – Sep 18

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 8" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April β€”
May β€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Fall Sowing
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Low β€” drought tolerant

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

100–120 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–8 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

244 days in Wilcox County

Growing Tips for Wilcox 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cumin in Wilcox County, AL?

Wilcox County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wilcox County, AL?

Wilcox County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Wilcox County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Wilcox County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.