Cumin
Cuminum cyminum
From the Apiaceae family, cumin is native to South Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean. It thrives in hot climates worldwide and can be grown annually in many different regions. Cumin is grown for its aromatic seeds. The seeds have a distinct flavor, a key element of many Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean dishes. Cumin is one of the ingredients of curry and garam masala spice blends. The leafy foliage of cumin can also be used in cooking. Cumin's lovely flowers attract beneficial insects to the garden.
How to Grow Cumin
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Pests
Diseases
Beneficial Critters
Growing from Seed
Cumin requires a long and warm growing season. In areas without winters with frost, it is possible to direct sow into the garden in the fall. Otherwise, direct sow in the garden after the danger of frost. Start cumin seeds indoors, 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Soak seeds for 24 hours to enhance germination rates. Plant seeds 1/4" deep (0.6 cm) and keep the soil moist.
Planting Considerations
Cumin prefers to be grown in areas with full sun and moist but well-draining soil. It requires a long growing season to develop seed heads, so plan accordingly if starting from seed. Do not overwater as cumin is prone to root rot.
Feeding
Cumin does well when initially planted in nutrient-rich soil and doesn't generally need fertilizing. After transplanting, give the plant a nice mulch of compost. Avoid feeding cumin fertilizers that are very high in nitrogen because this promotes leafy growth, and since you want to harvest the seeds, that growth is unnecessary.
Harvesting
Harvest leaves whenever you desire. After the flowers bloom, they will start to form seeds. Harvest the seeds before they start dropping from the plant. Cut the stems of the seedheads and hang them upside down in a paper bag so they drop naturally into the bag. Otherwise, you can shake the seeds into a paper bag. Use the seeds ground or whole.
Storage
Store the seeds in a container in a cool and dark place. Ground seeds are good to store for 1-2 years, while whole seeds can be kept for 2-4 years.
Pruning
No need to prune.
Herbal Use
Cumin is used as a carmintive to help relieve gas and bloating.
