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When to plant Cumin in Union County, MS

Plant Cumin in Union County from March 16 to April 6 in spring. Union County sits in USDA Zone 8a, with last frost around March 30 and first frost on October 29. A second sowing from August 20 to September 3 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cumin in Union County, MS

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.

Union County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.

At an elevation of 196 feet, Union County receives approximately 49.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cumin, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Union County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
213 days
Last Spring Frost March 30
213 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

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 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cumin Planting Timeline — Union County, MS

Cumin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 23 Feb 23 – Mar 9
Transplant Outdoors March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 6
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 – Apr 6
Harvest July 6 Jul 6 – Sep 7
Fall Sowing August 20 Aug 20 – Sep 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

213 days in Union County

Growing Tips for Union 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 Union County, MS?

Union County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, MS?

Union County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 29.

When should I plant Cumin in Union County, MS?

In Union County, MS, plant Cumin after the last frost (around March 30) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Union County, MS for Cumin?

Union County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cumin grow in Union County's climate?

Yes — Cumin grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 213-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 30 and first frost around October 29.

🌱

Your Union County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Union County (Zone 8a). 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 Union County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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