Cuminum cyminum

RHS Plant Profile
cumin
Annual Biennial

A tender annual to 30cm tall, with finely cut, feathery foliage. In summer it produces umbels of white flowers; these are followed by tiny, green to brown fruit that contain the aromatic cumin seed

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Fruit
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Cuminum are slender annuals with leaves ternately divided into linear segments, with small white or pink flowers in umbels, followed by aromatic fruits
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
E. Mediterranean

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Plants need 3-4 warm months in summer for good seed production; harvest seed in late summer

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed under glass at 15°C in early spring, or in situ in late spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Mediterranean climate plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free