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When to plant Cumin in Craighead County, AR

The best window to plant Cumin in Craighead County, is March 12–April 2, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 26; first frost November 3. A second sowing from August 25 to September 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cumin in Craighead 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.

Craighead County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.

At an elevation of 992 feet, Craighead County receives approximately 45.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season.

Craighead County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
222 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
222 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Craighead County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-7

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 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cumin Planting Timeline — Craighead County, AR

Cumin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Outdoors March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 2
Direct Sow March 12 Mar 12 – Apr 2
Harvest July 2 Jul 2 – Sep 3
Fall Sowing August 25 Aug 25 – Sep 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Fall Sowing Harvest
October
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

222 days in Craighead County

Growing Tips for Craighead 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 Craighead County, AR?

Craighead County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Craighead County, AR?

Craighead County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Cumin in Craighead County, AR?

In Craighead County, AR, plant Cumin after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Craighead County, AR for Cumin?

Craighead County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cumin grow in Craighead County's climate?

Yes — Cumin grows well in Craighead County's temperate climate. Craighead County averages a 222-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 3.

🌱

Your Craighead County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Craighead County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Craighead County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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