Cumin

Cumin: variety and characteristics

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is an annual herb of the Carrot family (Apiaceae). Cumin is used in almost all cuisines around the world. Before producing its highly aromatic seeds, the flowers attract many beneficial predatory insects that will help control garden pests.

Cumin produces shallow flowers arranged in an umbel. Plant close to any crop that typically attracts caterpillars or aphids, as the plants attract predatory insects. The plant reaches a height of up to 25 cm.

The distinctive feature of cumin seeds is their high essential oil content.

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

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 95%
• Seeds per packet: 510–690 pcs (2 g)
• Seed origin: India
• Sowing: April and May; direct
• Flowering: June – September
• Harvest: August and September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Cumin

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 Cumin

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

Cumin needs a long, hot season to produce seeds. Sow indoors in the second half of April, and outdoors in early May. You can cover the beds with plastic sheeting to be on the safe side. Start indoors four weeks before the last frost date and transplant outside once temperatures are consistently above 15°C. The ideal germination temperature is 20-30°C. The seeds should germinate after 7-14 days. Sow at a depth of 0.5 cm. deep, 10 cm apart. Cumin needs approximately 120 days from sowing to maturity to produce seeds. 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 Cumin be sown?

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

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 510–690 seeds, pack size 2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 95%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.