When to plant Cumin in Pine, AZ
Pine gardeners should plant Cumin between January 23 and February 13 in spring. With Pine's Zone 9a climate (last frost February 13), Cumin needs 100–120 days to mature — plant by August 7 for a full harvest. A second sowing from October 10 to October 24 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cumin in Pine, AZ
Your June game plan for Gila County, Arizona
Your garden in Gila County, Arizona is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Bring in the cumin
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: cumin
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.
Pine, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 295 days.
At an elevation of 3,643 feet, Gila County receives approximately 9.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cumin will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cumin successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pine Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Cumin 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 Pine
How your county's soil matches Cumin's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.4) overlaps with Cumin's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Gila County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cumin will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cumin.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Cumin.
How to Plant Cumin
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Cumin Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Cumin
Cumin needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cumin Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 2.2" | 0.5" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.9" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 0.5" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Gila County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cumin Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cumin Planting Timeline — Pine, AZ
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Direct Sow | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 13 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 24 |
| Fall Sowing | October 10 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
295 days in Gila County
Growing Tips for Cumin in Pine
Direct sow Cumin outdoors after February 13 in Gila County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Gila County dries quickly — mulch Cumin with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Cumin in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Gila County receives only 9" of rain annually. Cumin needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cumin in Other Locations
When should I plant Cumin in Pine, AZ?
In Pine, AZ, plant Cumin after the last frost (around February 13) and before the first frost (around December 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pine, AZ for Cumin?
Pine sits in USDA Zone 9a. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cumin grow in Pine's climate?
Yes — Cumin grows well in Pine's temperate climate. Pine averages a 296-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 13 and first frost around December 5.
Your Gila County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gila County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.