When to plant Cumin in Benton County, MO
Plant Cumin in Benton County from March 26 to April 16 in spring. Benton County sits in USDA Zone 6b, with last frost around April 9 and first frost on October 25. A second sowing from August 16 to August 30 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cumin in Benton County, MO
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.
Benton County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 1,323 feet, Benton County receives approximately 39.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.6
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Benton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cumin Planting Timeline — Benton County, MO
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Sep 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| 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
199 days in Benton County
Growing Tips for Benton 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 Benton County, MO?
Benton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, MO?
Benton County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Cumin in Benton County, MO?
In Benton County, MO, plant Cumin after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Benton County, MO for Cumin?
Benton 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 Benton County's climate?
Yes — Cumin grows well in Benton County's temperate climate. Benton County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.
Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Benton 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.