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When to plant Cumin in Springfield,

In Springfield, plant Cumin in spring between March 27 and April 17, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Springfield's last frost averages April 10, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 13 and August 27 — roughly 120 days before the first frost on October 22.

When to Plant Cumin in Springfield, MO

Springfield, MO Zone 6b June

June in the garden — Springfield, MO

June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Springfield, MO.

Avg. last frost April 10
Avg. first frost October 22
Soil temp (4") 72°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.6 hrs
Coming up in July — start thinking about
  • First harvests: cumin

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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.

Springfield, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.

At an elevation of 891 feet, Greene County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season.

Springfield, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
195 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
195 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22
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Springfield Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Cumin Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (34 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 12
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (34 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (35 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Oct 1

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 Springfield

How your county's soil matches Cumin's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.4–6.9) overlaps with Cumin's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Greene 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

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Cumin Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.2" 3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 2.2" 4.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 3.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 3.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 2.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 2.2" 2.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Greene 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 needs ~1,760 GDD — county provides 3,120 GDD Excellent fit

Cumin Planting Timeline — Springfield, MO

Cumin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 17
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 – Sep 18
Fall Sowing August 13 Aug 13 – Aug 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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
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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 6b

📆 Growing Season

195 days in Greene County

Growing Tips for Cumin in Springfield

Direct sow Cumin outdoors after April 10 in Greene 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Cumin in Springfield, ?

In Springfield, , plant Cumin after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Springfield, for Cumin?

Springfield sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cumin grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cumin grow in Springfield's climate?

Yes — Cumin grows well in Springfield's temperate climate. Springfield averages a 195-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 22.

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Your Greene County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Greene 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.

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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 Greene County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.