When to plant Cumin in Ford County, IL
For Ford County, gardeners: plant Cumin April 4 through April 25 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cumin in Ford County, IL
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.
Ford County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 855 feet, Ford County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cumin to ensure they mature before fall.
Ford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cumin Planting Timeline — Ford County, IL
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Sep 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Ford County
Growing Tips for Ford 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cumin in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cumin in Ford County, IL?
Ford County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ford County, IL?
Ford County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Cumin in Ford County, IL?
In Ford County, IL, plant Cumin after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ford County, IL for Cumin?
Ford County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cumin grow in Ford County's climate?
Yes — Cumin grows well in Ford County's temperate climate. Ford County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 18.
Your Ford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ford County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.