When to plant Cumin in Cumberland County County,
Cumberland County County's climate puts the Cumin spring window between March 31 and April 21. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cumin in Cumberland County, IL
Your June game plan for Cumberland County, Illinois
Your garden in Cumberland County, Illinois is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
July prep starts now
- 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.
Cumberland County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 772 feet, Cumberland County receives approximately 31.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season.
Cumberland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7
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 Cumberland County
How your county's soil matches Cumin's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.0) is within Cumin's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cumberland County is excellent for Cumin — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Cumin.
How to Plant Cumin
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Cumin Water Budget
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cumberland 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 — Cumberland County, IL
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
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 | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Cumberland County
Growing Tips for Cumin in Cumberland County
Direct sow Cumin outdoors after April 14 in Cumberland 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 Cumberland County, IL?
Cumberland County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cumberland County, IL?
Cumberland County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Cumin in Cumberland County, ?
In Cumberland County, , plant Cumin after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cumberland County, for Cumin?
Cumberland County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cumin grow in Cumberland County's climate?
Yes — Cumin grows well in Cumberland County's temperate climate. Cumberland County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.
Your Cumberland County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cumberland County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.