How to Grow Cuminum Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Cumin and Comino

This half-hardy plant is much loved by gardeners and cooks alike.

Cuminum flowers in the middle of summer with white or pink flowers; its seeds should be harvested for use in the kitchen.

The common name for Cuminum is cumin, and it will reach an height of about 12 to 15cm.

As soon as the pods of cumin go brown they should be harvested.

The pods should be dried, then rubbed; this will release the cumin seeds from the pods, which can then be used directly in culinary dishes or stored in an air tight container for future use.

< Cumin seeds
Cumin seeds by Gusger.

Cuminum Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Cumin, Comino.
Life Cycle: Half hardy annual.
Height: 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm).
Native: Mediterranean, West and Central Asia.

Growing Region: Zones 5 to 10.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: White, pink. Umbels. Tiny.
Foliage: Slender.

Sow Outside: 1/4 inch (6mm). Spring; minimum temperature should not drop below 60°F (15°C). Spacing: 4 inches (10 cm).
Sow Inside: Peat pots. Germination time: one to two weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors when temperatures do not drop below 60°F (15°C).

Requirements: Four month growing season with temperatures of 86°F (30°C) for best results. Full sunlight. Good drainage. Fertile Soil. Give feed at same time as transplanting.

Family: Apiaceae.
Miscellaneous: Usually grown for its seed, therefore cover seed-heads with a bag to harvest.

How to Grow Cumin (Cuminum)

It is perhaps best to start Cuminum seedlings off indoors. They should be grown in peat pots.

Sow the Cumin seeds at a depth of about 6 mm. It should take about two weeks for the cumin seeds to germinate when kept at about 20 degrees Centigrade.

The Cumin can then be transplanted outdoors in the middle of spring, well after the possibility of any frost at a spacing of about 10 cm.

They prefer to grow in an area that is sunny and will thrive in a fertile soil.

Caring for Cuminum

The Cumin plant makes an ideal addition to any herb garden. Cumin should be watered during dry spells and hot weather to increase yield.

Common Questions

How many members does the Cuminum genus have?

The Cuminum genus is a monotypic genus, having only one species, Cuminum cyminum or cumin.

Do members of Cuminum make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Cuminum, or cumin, is popular in kitchen gardens for its aromatic seeds, but it's not typically used in decorative landscaping.

Which Cuminum species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

As there is only one species, Cuminum cyminum, or cumin, is the species grown by gardeners.

Are members of the Cuminum plant genus fragrant?

Yes, Cuminum cyminum or cumin is known for its strong, distinctive aroma.

What is the perfect location to grow Cuminum?

Cuminum prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. It's a good choice for a sunny kitchen garden.

Is Cuminum invasive in the USA?

Currently, Cuminum is not considered invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Cuminum plants from my garden?

Cuminum plants can be easily uprooted from the soil. Ensure all roots are removed to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Cuminum genus, part of the Apiaceae family, is native to the eastern Mediterranean region to South Asia. The most known species, Cuminum cyminum, also known as cumin, is an annual herb recognized for its slender, branched stems and small, pink or white flowers that bloom in summer, followed by aromatic seeds.

To grow Cuminum, plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds sown in spring. Regular watering is necessary, but they are relatively drought-tolerant once established. They are often used in herb gardens or vegetable gardens for their edible and aromatic seeds.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Cuminum plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's Apiaceae HQ growing guides: How to grow Astrantia and Foeniculum plants.