When to plant Cumin in Ballwin, MO
Ballwin's climate puts the Cumin spring window between March 30 and April 20. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 15 to August 29 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cumin in Ballwin, MO
Top priorities for St. Louis County, Missouri gardeners in July
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for St. Louis County, Missouri this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Harvest cumin as they ripen
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- First harvests: cumin
- Fall sowing: cumin
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.
Ballwin, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 895 feet, St. Louis County receives approximately 40.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season.
Ballwin Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Cumin Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Ballwin
How your county's soil matches Cumin's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.6) overlaps with Cumin's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in St. Louis County is excellent for Cumin — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Cumin.
How to Plant Cumin
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Cumin Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cumin
Cumin needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cumin Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in St. Louis County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cumin Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cumin Planting Timeline — Ballwin, MO
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in St. Louis County
Growing Tips for Cumin in Ballwin
Direct sow Cumin outdoors after April 13 in St. Louis County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cumin in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
When should I plant Cumin in Ballwin, MO?
In Ballwin, MO, plant Cumin after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ballwin, MO for Cumin?
Ballwin sits in USDA Zone 7a. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cumin grow in Ballwin's climate?
Yes — Cumin grows well in Ballwin's temperate climate. Ballwin averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 24.
Your St. Louis County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Louis 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.