Black Cumin

Black Cumin: variety and characteristics

Black Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is an annual herb of the Carrot family (Apiaceae). Black cumin is a delightful and easy-to-grow annual with slightly hairy, finely divided leaves and very beautiful whitish or bluish flowers, with reflexed petals.

This plant has long been cultivated, perhaps for 2000 years or more, for its edible and aromatic seeds, used. The plant reaches a height of 45 cm.

Black cumin has the following properties: analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and many others.

Cumin is a warmth-loving spice for kebabs, meatballs and oriental dishes.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 87%
• Seeds per packet: 425–575 pcs (1 g)
• Seed origin: Syria
• Sowing: April and May; direct
• Flowering: June – September
• Harvest: August and September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Black Cumin

Black Cumin seeds are sown in April and May. The plants flower from June to September. Harvest in August and September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Black Cumin

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 0.5–1 cm
• Spacing: 20–30 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Sow directly outdoors between April and May. The seeds should be 3 mm deep in rows that are 30 cm apart. The ideal germination temperature is 18-20°C. Germination takes about 10-21 days. Thin the seedlings to 25 cm apart when they are large enough to handle. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage growth and extend the flowering period. Remove the flowers if you do not want it to self-seed. The seeds used as a spice ripen in August – early September. They scatter easily when overripe, so it is best not to delay harvesting them.

Sow in warm soil after the last frosts in the sunniest spot.

Harvest and use

Harvest when the seeds turn brown.

Frequently asked questions

When should Black Cumin be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 425–575 seeds, pack size 1 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 87%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.