When to Plant Cumin in Colusa County, CA
This month in Colusa County, California
Here's what deserves your attention in Colusa County, California this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9b and timed around your local frost dates.
Looking ahead to June
- 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.
Colusa County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 112 feet, Colusa County receives approximately 29.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season.
Colusa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.5
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.
Soil Compatibility in Colusa County
How your county's soil matches Cumin's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.5) is within Cumin's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Colusa County is excellent for Cumin — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cumin.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Cumin.
How to Plant Cumin
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 6.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 6.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.1" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Colusa 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 — Colusa County, CA
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Direct Sow | February 13 | Feb 13 – Mar 6 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 |
| Fall Sowing | October 3 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Colusa County
Growing Tips for Cumin in Colusa County
Direct sow Cumin outdoors after March 06 in Colusa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cumin in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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
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 Colusa County, CA?
Colusa County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Colusa County, CA?
Colusa County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 28.
Your Colusa County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Colusa County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.