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When to Plant Cumin in Zavala 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.

Zavala County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.

At an elevation of 4,905 feet, Zavala County receives approximately 59.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Cumin during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cumin root diseases.

Zavala County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
276 days
Last Spring Frost February 26
276 growing days
First Fall Frost November 29

Zavala County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.4

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Mar 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 10.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cumin Planting Timeline — Zavala County, TX

Cumin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 29 Jan 29 – Feb 12
Transplant Outdoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Direct Sow February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 26
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 – Aug 6
Fall Sowing October 4 Oct 4 – Oct 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors
April
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

276 days in Zavala County

Growing Tips for Zavala 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 Zavala County, TX?

Zavala County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Cumin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Zavala County, TX?

Zavala County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 29.

🌱

Your Zavala County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Zavala County (Zone 9a). 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 Zavala County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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