Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is an aromatic annual herb grown for the wonderfully fragrant seeds that are used in cuisines around the world. Fine, feathery green foliage is topped with delicate white summer flowers before developing the slender fruits containing the familiar cumin seeds.
 
Cumin loves warmth and sunshine and needs a long, warm growing season for the seeds to ripen successfully, making a sheltered position in full sun particularly important in the UK. Once the foliage begins to die back and the seeds have turned brown, harvest and dry them before using whole or ground in cooking.
 
When to Sow: Mar–May
 
HOW TO SOW CUMIN:
Sow indoors – Sow in early spring into pots or modules of moist, well-drained seed compost. Cover lightly with compost and keep at around 15°C or above. Grow seedlings on somewhere warm and bright. Harden off and plant outside once the danger of frost has passed, choosing your warmest, sunniest, most sheltered position. 
 
Sow outdoors – Sow directly where plants are to grow in late spring, once conditions have warmed and night temperatures are reliably above 10°C. Sow approximately 0.5–1cm deep and keep moist until established. Thin seedlings to approximately 10–15cm apart.
 
Classification: Tender Annual
Expert Level: Medium
Germination Time: 7–14 Days
 
Site: Full Sun
Soil Type: Fertile, Well-drained; Chalk, Loam or Sand
Soil Acidity: Acid, Neutral or Alkaline
Moisture: Well-drained
 
Care: Grow in a warm, sheltered position. Cumin needs approximately 3–4 warm summer months for good seed production. Plants can be prone to falling over, particularly during flowering or after heavy rain, so growing fairly closely can provide some mutual support.
 
Use: Culinary Herb, Herb Gardens, Kitchen Gardens
Harvesting: Harvest once the seeds are plump and have turned tan/brown and the foliage begins to die back. Cut or pull the plants and allow them to dry thoroughly, then collect the dried seeds.
 
Days to Maturity: 100–115 Days
Height: 15–30cm
Plant Spacing: 10–15cm