Cuminum

( KOO - min - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This small genus of herbaceous flowering plants is known through its most economically significant crop species, Cuminum cyminum, which is the source of Cumin seeds that are a popular spice in many different cuisines. Grow these plants as members of edible or herb gardens, to bring pollinators into the landscape, or simply to fill in space in mixed beds and borders.

Cuminum Species and Varietals

The genus Cuminum is the type genus member of the plant family Apiaceae, and includes just four species. Cryptaenia plants do well in almost all zones, as long as they receive a good amount of protection from direct sun. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Cuminum cyminum (Cumin aegyptiacum, Cuminum hispanicum, Cuminum odorum, Cuminum sativum) (Cumin, Cummin, Jeera, Common Cumin, Indian Cumin)
These plants are native to the Irano-Turanian region and is widely used in that area - as well as in many other places around the globe - as a spice. The spice Cumin (either whole or ground) refers to the seeds of plants. Individual plants reach up to 20 inches tall when mature and in bloom, and produce green to dark green delicate foliage. Flowers are white.

Caring for Cuminum

Cuminum plants are typically grown from seed. They can be started indoors (6-8 weeks before the last frost), though they do not typically transplant well. Sow directly in the garden about two weeks after the last frost of the area. Plant Cuminum in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms (and subsequent harvests). When these flowers are grown in less light, they will not flower as profusely. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 7.0 and 7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants perform well in consistently moist soils.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Cuminum plants can also be fertilized during the growing season with compost tea. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. If harvesting plants for their seeds, make sure to leave all flower heads on plants to mature. Cumin plants are annuals, and will need to be replaced each year. They will reseed freely in the garden if allowed, providing plants indefinitely.

Harvesting Cuminum
Cuminum plants produce edible leaves and seeds. Harvest leaves from plants at any time when they reach a size large enough to be thrown into a salad. Cumin has a longer growing season than many other herbs; plants are typically ready for harvesting for their seeds about 120 days after planting. As soon as seed heads can be identified by before they fall from the plant, it is time to harvest. Cut the entire stem from the plant towards its base using clean, sharp shears. Hang the stem upside-down over a container that will catch the seeds as they are released. The seeds can be used ground or whole. Store ground or whole seeds in an airtight container in a dark, cool space for longest shelf life.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

The best way to propagate Cumin plants is to harvest and re-sow seed. These plants will freely re-seed in the garden if conditions are adequate, providing volunteer seedlings that can be dug up and transplanted elsewhere if desired. To propagate your Cumin plant, follow the directions below:

Propagating Cuminum by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a container, a pot or tray, potting medium, and a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. Cumin seeds are located inside fruiting bodies called achenes, which are brown to copper in color and leathery, present on stems after flowers have faded. Each achene contains one light brown to reddish-brown seed. Collect seeds and place them in a container during harvesting to avoid losing them.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them lightly with soil and water with a spray bottle. Place the sown seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-4 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of a fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet. Keep your seedling in an area with bright light and temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when the seedling can be hardened off and then planted outdoors.