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When to plant Cumin in McLean County, KY

McLean County's spring Cumin window runs March 23 through April 13. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 22 to September 5 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cumin in McLean County, KY

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.

McLean County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.

At an elevation of 2,224 feet, McLean County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season.

McLean County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
208 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
208 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

McLean County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.6

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 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cumin Planting Timeline — McLean County, KY

Cumin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 2 Mar 2 – Mar 16
Transplant Outdoors March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 13
Direct Sow March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 13
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 – Sep 14
Fall Sowing August 22 Aug 22 – Sep 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Fall Sowing 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 7a

📆 Growing Season

208 days in McLean County

Growing Tips for McLean 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 McLean County, KY?

McLean County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is McLean County, KY?

McLean County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.

When should I plant Cumin in McLean County, KY?

In McLean County, KY, plant Cumin after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is McLean County, KY for Cumin?

McLean County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cumin grow in McLean County's climate?

Yes — Cumin grows well in McLean County's temperate climate. McLean County averages a 208-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 31.

🌱

Your McLean County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for McLean County (Zone 7a). 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 McLean County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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