When to plant Cumin in Dwight,
In Dwight, plant Cumin in spring between April 9 and April 30, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Dwight's last frost averages April 23, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 8 and August 22 — roughly 120 days before the first frost on October 17.
When to Plant Cumin in Dwight, IL
June in Dwight, IL — your action list
A quick June briefing for Dwight, IL gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- 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.
Dwight, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 543 feet, Livingston County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cumin to ensure they mature before fall.
Dwight Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
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 Dwight
How your county's soil matches Cumin's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.9) is within Cumin's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Livingston County is excellent for Cumin — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Livingston 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 — Dwight, 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 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 |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Livingston County
Growing Tips for Cumin in Dwight
Direct sow Cumin outdoors after April 23 in Livingston 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 Dwight, ?
In Dwight, , plant Cumin after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dwight, for Cumin?
Dwight sits in USDA Zone 5b. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cumin grow in Dwight's climate?
Yes — Cumin grows well in Dwight's temperate climate. Dwight averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 17.
Your Livingston County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Livingston 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.