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When to plant Cumin in Macon County County,

Macon County County's climate puts the Cumin spring window between March 30 and April 20. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 10 to August 24 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cumin in Macon 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.

Macon County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 1,064 feet, Macon County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season.

Macon County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19
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Macon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.1

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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cumin Planting Timeline — Macon County, IL

Cumin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 20
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest July 20 Jul 20 – Sep 21
Fall Sowing August 10 Aug 10 – Aug 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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
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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

189 days in Macon County

Growing Tips for Macon 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 Macon County, IL?

Macon County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Macon County, IL?

Macon County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 19.

When should I plant Cumin in Macon County County, ?

In Macon County County, , plant Cumin after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Macon County County, for Cumin?

Macon County 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 Macon County County's climate?

Yes — Cumin grows well in Macon County County's temperate climate. Macon County County averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 19.

🌱

Your Macon County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Macon 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.

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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 Macon County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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