When to plant Cumin in Riley County, KS
Cumin planted in Riley County between April 3 and April 24 matures in 100–120 days — well before the October 18 first frost. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cumin in Riley County, KS
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.
Riley County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 551 feet, Riley County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season.
Riley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cumin Planting Timeline — Riley County, KS
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | July 24 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
184 days in Riley County
Growing Tips for Riley 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
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Cumin in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cumin in Riley County, KS?
Riley County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Riley County, KS?
Riley County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Cumin in Riley County, KS?
In Riley County, KS, plant Cumin after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Riley County, KS for Cumin?
Riley County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cumin grow in Riley County's climate?
Yes — Cumin grows well in Riley County's temperate climate. Riley County averages a 184-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 18.
Your Riley County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Riley County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.