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When to plant Cumin in Clark County, ID

Clark County gardeners should plant Cumin between May 24 and June 14 in spring. With Clark County's Zone 5b climate (last frost June 7), Cumin needs 100–120 days to mature — plant by May 13 for a full harvest. A second sowing from July 2 to July 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cumin in Clark County, ID

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.

Clark County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 95 days.

At an elevation of 7,493 feet, Clark County receives approximately 21.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cumin to ensure they mature before fall.

Clark County, ID (Zone 5b) Very short season
95 days
Last Spring Frost June 7
95 growing days
First Fall Frost September 10

Clark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.8

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cumin Planting Timeline — Clark County, ID

Cumin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 3 May 3 – May 17
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 – Jun 14
Direct Sow May 24 May 24 – Jun 14
Harvest September 13 Sep 13 – Nov 15
Fall Sowing July 2 Jul 2 – Jul 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing
August
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

95 days in Clark County

Growing Tips for Clark 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 Clark County, ID?

Clark County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 7. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clark County, ID?

Clark County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and first fall frost is September 10.

When should I plant Cumin in Clark County, ID?

In Clark County, ID, plant Cumin after the last frost (around June 7) and before the first frost (around September 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clark County, ID for Cumin?

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

Can Cumin grow in Clark County's climate?

Yes — Cumin grows well in Clark County's temperate climate. Clark County averages a 95-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 7 and first frost around September 10.

🌱

Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clark County (Zone 5b). 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 Clark County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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