When to plant Cumin in Sac County, IA
Spring Cumin in Sac County goes in April 11–May 2, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from July 30 to August 13 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cumin in Sac County, IA
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.
Sac County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 1,221 feet, Sac County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cumin to ensure they mature before fall.
Sac County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cumin Planting Timeline — Sac County, IA
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Harvest | August 1 | Aug 1 – Oct 3 |
| Fall Sowing | July 30 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
166 days in Sac County
Growing Tips for Sac 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 Sac County, IA?
Sac County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sac County, IA?
Sac County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 8.
When should I plant Cumin in Sac County, IA?
In Sac County, IA, plant Cumin after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sac County, IA for Cumin?
Sac County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cumin grow in Sac County's climate?
Yes — Cumin grows well in Sac County's temperate climate. Sac County averages a 166-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 8.
Your Sac County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sac County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.