Jeera Cuminum cyminum

Cuminum cyminum, or Cumin, is an annual herb grown to harvest the cumin seed, which is commonly used as a spice in Asian, Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern recipes. Cumin is a member of the carrot, celery, and parsley family and is native to the Mediterranean. Seeds found in Syria have been dated back to the second millennium BC and there are many references to cumin in Biblical text of the Old and New Testaments. It was introduced to the Americas by Spanish and Portuguese colonist. The Native American Tribe Apalachee, who historically lived in the Florida Panhandle, used the plant water for medicinal purposes. Today the plant is commercially grown in the Indian subcontinent, Northern Africa, Mexico, and Chile.

Cumin is photoautotroph, meaning it transforms light into chemical energy, and monocarpic, meaning the plant flowers, sets seeds, then dies. It is vulnerable to frost, and needs 120 days of frost free weather from planting to harvesting. Seeds need to be 36 to 41 degrees for emergence, with optimum temperatures of 68 to 86 degrees. Soaking seeds for 8 hours before planting helps in germination. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the average last frost date, or start outside 1 to 2 weeks after the average last frost date. Plant a group of 4 seeds at a depth of 1/4", every 4 to 8 inches. Seeds should germinate in 7 to 14 days. Cumin does not transplant well. So, if starting in seed pots, use biodegradable pots and bury the entire pot. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin them to 1 plant every 4 to 8 inches.

Water the plants regularly, allowing soil to go almost dry between watering, then soak thoroughly. Harvest cumin by cutting stems containing clusters close to the ground after the flower clusters are dry and turn brown. Place clusters into a paper bag, hang upside down in a dark warm area, and let dry completely. After they are dry, thrash the paper bag to release the seeds. Alternately, rub the seed pods together to release the seed. Each plant only produces a few fruit and each fruit only contains one seed, so there needs to be a large crop to collect a useable amount of seed.

Diseases, Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Aphids, fusarium wilt, alternaria blight, and powdery mildew cause problems.