Cumin in Zone 5a & 5b
Cuminum cyminum
When to plant cumin in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b 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 indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 31–Jun 7 |
| Estimated harvest | Sep 28–Oct 5 (~120 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 9 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1 ft.
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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. 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 5b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Cumin in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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