When to plant Cumin in Davis Junction, IL
Plant Cumin in Davis Junction after April 23; the prime window is April 9–April 30. A second sowing from August 4 to August 18 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cumin in Davis Junction, IL
Your August gardening checklist
Your garden in Ogle County, Illinois is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this August.
-
Pick cumin
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
-
Start your fall crops: cumin
Your first frost is about 9 weeks away — plenty of time for these to mature.
September 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.
Davis Junction, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 890 feet, Ogle County receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season.
Davis Junction Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.9
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 Davis Junction
How your county's soil matches Cumin's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.9) overlaps with Cumin's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ogle County is excellent for Cumin — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Cumin will thrive.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ogle 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 — Davis Junction, IL
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Oct 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
173 days in Ogle County
Growing Tips for Cumin in Davis Junction
Direct sow Cumin outdoors after April 23 in Ogle 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
When should I plant Cumin in Davis Junction, IL?
In Davis Junction, IL, plant Cumin after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Davis Junction, IL for Cumin?
Davis Junction sits in USDA Zone 5b. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cumin grow in Davis Junction's climate?
Yes — Cumin grows well in Davis Junction's temperate climate. Davis Junction averages a 173-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 13.
Your Ogle County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ogle 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.