Cumin in Zone 4a & 4b

Cuminum cyminum

When to plant cumin in zone 4b

Zones 4a and 4b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.

Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Cumin doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.

Start indoorsNot typically started indoors
Direct sow / transplant outsideJun 5–Jun 12
Estimated harvestOct 3–Oct 10 (~120 days after direct-sowing)

Spacing: 9 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1 ft.

Cumin
Photo: Yercaud-elango via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped.

Cumin is a warm-season seed spice that needs a long, warm growing season to mature its seed, unlike most quick-turnaround culinary herbs.

How cumin fits zone 4's season

Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. Cumin needs about 120 days from sowing to first harvest.

Good companions

No standout companions recorded yet for Cumin.

Where to buy cumin seeds

See why we recommend these suppliers →

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See it growing

Search YouTube for "growing cumin" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)

← Back to the full zone 4b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

Growing Cumin in USDA zone 4b

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Growing Cumin in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.

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