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When to plant Cumin in Alachua County, FL

Alachua County's climate puts the Cumin spring window between February 2 and February 23. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. A second sowing from October 2 to October 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cumin in Alachua County, FL

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.

Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.

At an elevation of 398 feet, Alachua County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Cumin may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cumin will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Alachua County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
277 days
Last Spring Frost February 23
277 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Alachua County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cumin Planting Timeline — Alachua County, FL

Cumin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 26 Jan 26 – Feb 9
Transplant Outdoors February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 2
Direct Sow February 2 Feb 2 – Feb 23
Harvest June 1 Jun 1 – Aug 3
Fall Sowing October 2 Oct 2 – Oct 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors
April
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October Fall Sowing
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

277 days in Alachua County

Growing Tips for Alachua 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 Alachua County, FL?

Alachua County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 23. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Alachua County, FL?

Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and first fall frost is November 27.

When should I plant Cumin in Alachua County, FL?

In Alachua County, FL, plant Cumin after the last frost (around February 23) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Alachua County, FL for Cumin?

Alachua County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cumin grow in Alachua County's climate?

Yes — Cumin grows well in Alachua County's temperate climate. Alachua County averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 23 and first frost around November 27.

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Your Alachua County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Alachua 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.

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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 Alachua County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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