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When to plant Cumin in Yellowstone County, MT

In Zone 5a (Yellowstone County), direct-sow Cumin between April 25 and May 16 for spring, after the May 9 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 25 to August 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cumin in Yellowstone County, MT

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.

Yellowstone County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.

At an elevation of 7,432 feet, Yellowstone County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cumin to ensure they mature before fall.

Yellowstone County, MT (Zone 5a) Short season
147 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
147 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Yellowstone County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cumin Planting Timeline — Yellowstone County, MT

Cumin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 18
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest August 15 Aug 15 – Oct 17
Fall Sowing July 25 Jul 25 – Aug 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

147 days in Yellowstone County

Growing Tips for Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone County, MT?

Yellowstone County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Yellowstone County, MT?

Yellowstone County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 3.

When should I plant Cumin in Yellowstone County, MT?

In Yellowstone County, MT, plant Cumin after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Yellowstone County, MT for Cumin?

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

Can Cumin grow in Yellowstone County's climate?

Yes — Cumin grows well in Yellowstone County's temperate climate. Yellowstone County averages a 147-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 3.

🌱

Your Yellowstone County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Yellowstone County (Zone 5a). 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 Yellowstone County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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