When to plant Cumin in Georgetown, CA
The best window to plant Cumin in Georgetown, is March 21–April 11, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 11; first frost November 22. A second sowing from September 27 to October 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cumin in Georgetown, CA
This month in El Dorado County, California
Here's what deserves your attention in El Dorado County, California this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9b and timed around your local frost dates.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Georgetown, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 225 days.
At an elevation of 2,714 feet, El Dorado County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cumin to ensure they mature before fall.
Georgetown Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.2
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 Georgetown
How your county's soil matches Cumin's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.2) is within Cumin's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in El Dorado County is excellent for Cumin — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help 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 6/10 — 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 | — | 7.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 9.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.5" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 6.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in El Dorado 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 — Georgetown, CA
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Direct Sow | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 11 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Sep 19 |
| Fall Sowing | September 27 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
225 days in El Dorado County
Growing Tips for Cumin in Georgetown
Direct sow Cumin outdoors after April 11 in El Dorado 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
When should I plant Cumin in Georgetown, CA?
In Georgetown, CA, plant Cumin after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around November 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Georgetown, CA for Cumin?
Georgetown sits in USDA Zone 9b. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cumin grow in Georgetown's climate?
Yes — Cumin grows well in Georgetown's temperate climate. Georgetown averages a 225-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around November 22.
Your El Dorado County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for El Dorado 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.