When to Plant Cumin in Red Willow County, NE
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.
Red Willow County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 643 feet, Red Willow County receives approximately 21.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season.
Red Willow County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.8
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Red Willow County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cumin Planting Timeline — Red Willow County, NE
Cumin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | August 8 | Aug 8 – Oct 10 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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
157 days in Red Willow County
Growing Tips for Red Willow 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
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Cumin in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cumin in Red Willow County, NE?
Red Willow County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Red Willow County, NE?
Red Willow County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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