How to grow Cumin?

Fragrant, ferny foliage is similar to dill. Young leaves make a nice addition to salad mixes. The flavorful seeds are an important ingredient in many Mexican dishes, also used in bread and cakes. Small, tender, crawling plants reach about 6 inches tall. Grows best in warmer areas, but will produce seeds in Northern areas if started early.

Medicinal: Seed aids digestion.

Cumin History

One of the most ancient spices known since biblical times, Cumin is native to the Mediterranean. Cultivation in Egypt dates back to at least 5000 years ago.

Soil Preference

PH (min/max): 5.0 - 8.0
PH Ideal (min/max): 6.0 - 7.0

Cumin prefers a fertile sandy loam that drains well.

How to care for Cumin?

Cumin is fairly easy to grow if it has the right weather. It's quite tender and it needs long warm weather to grow successfully.

Although Cumin is drought tolerant, it prefers a moist climate and will benefit greatly from water during hot spells or dry periods.

Soil should be well amended with compost or another well balanced feed of nutrients.

Seed Viability: 1 - 2 years

Germination Percentage: 95.0

Flowers contain both male and female parts. Plants are pollinated by insects, but are also self-fertile.

Cover seed heads with a bag and rub the ripe seeds into the bag.

Sun: min. 6 hours daily

Cumin should be planted in full sun.

Conditions:Warm, Hot

Season:Long Season

Seeds can be dried and stored in an airtight container in the pantry. For ground cumin, grind them in a mortar and pestle.

Storage Req: Drying
Storage Temp: 60-75°F
Storage Length: 1-360 days

Problems

Cumin Types

Cumin

Fragrant, ferny foliage is similar to Dill. Young leaves are a tasty addition to salad mixes. The flavorful seeds are an important ingredient in many Indian and Mexican dishes, also used in bread and cakes. Small, tender, crawling plants reach about 6" tall. Grows best in warmer areas, but will produce seeds in Northern areas if started early.

Medicinal: Seed aids digestion.

Pests

Caterpillars
Aphids

Diseases

Fusarium Wilt
Alternaria Blight
Powdery Mildew

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