Cumin Cuminum cyminum
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is an annual herb in the Apiaceae family, native to South-west Asia. It grows 20–50 cm (8–20 in) tall and 15–25 cm (6–10 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
Plan Cumin in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Cumin at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 20–50 cm (8–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.3 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–11 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 110 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (spice) |
| Native to | South-west Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Cumin toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cumin
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Cumin
- How far apart should I plant Cumin?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 cm (6–10 in).
- Does Cumin need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cumin need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Cumin?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Cumin flower?
- About 9–11 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks.
- Is Cumin poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Cumin?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cumin. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Needs a long warm, dry finish to ripen seed; damp weather brings wilt and blight.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Parsnip Pastinaca sativa
- Celeriac Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
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