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When to Plant Cumin in San Patricio County, TX

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.

San Patricio County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 300 days.

At an elevation of 2,449 feet, San Patricio County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Cumin may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cumin root diseases.

San Patricio County, TX (Zone 9b) Year-round
300 days
Last Spring Frost February 12
300 growing days
First Fall Frost December 9

San Patricio County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.2

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 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Mar 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in San Patricio County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cumin Planting Timeline — San Patricio County, TX

Cumin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 15 Jan 15 – Jan 29
Transplant Outdoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Direct Sow January 22 Jan 22 – Feb 12
Harvest May 21 May 21 – Jul 23
Fall Sowing October 14 Oct 14 – Oct 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October Fall Sowing
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 9b

📆 Growing Season

300 days in San Patricio County

Growing Tips for San Patricio 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 San Patricio County, TX?

San Patricio County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 12. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is San Patricio County, TX?

San Patricio County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and first fall frost is December 9.

🌱

Your San Patricio County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for San Patricio County (Zone 9b). 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 San Patricio County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.