The essential oil in the seeds is extracted and exported to the international market.
Cumin is most often used as a spice and its one of the essential ingredients of curry powder.
It also has many other uses in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, perfumery and soap industries.
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Each plant looks like a miniature version ofdillandfennel, with similar soft, threadlike foliage.
Where to Plant Cumin
Plant cumin in well-drained soil infull sun.
The plant is sensitive to wet or humid areas and it doesnt tolerate windy conditions.
It also doesnt like excessive heat or dry soil.
Light
Cumin grows best in full sun.
attempt to plant cumin where it willget at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Take plants outdoorsafter the last spring frostwhen temperatures are between 50F to 80F and weather is mild.
If your growing environment is humid, plant each seedling at least 6 inches apart to limit fungal risks.
Pruning and Harvesting
Gather cumin seeds before they fall to the ground.
Youll know that the seeds are ready to be harvested when the seeds start browning and drying out.
Pests and Problems
The peach green aphid is cumins most destructive pest.
Be sure to harvest the plants seeds in a timely manner before the ants move in to cause destruction.
Weeds can also be a problem for cumin.
How to Propagate Cumin
Start seeds indoorsby sowing three to five seeds per pot.
The plant could also experience stunting and fungal disease if it’s planted in wet or humid areas.
The compact size of the cumin plant makes iteasy to grow in pots.
Plant individual plants in 6-inch containers orgrow two or three plants togetherin larger containers.
