Hold onto your taste buds, because I'm about to show you how to grow your own cumin. Now, I know what you're thinking - "Cumin-infused hummus?" Yup! All grown right there in your 4th-floor fire escape garden.
Cumin prefers 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Partial shade in hot regions. Indoors: Grow in deep pots with bright light or hydroponically using grow lights for 12-14 hours.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulching helps retain moisture.
Cumin is a warm weather crop and prefers 60-75°F, ideally 65-70°F. Plant outdoors in April-May in NYC zone 7b. Indoors, they like 65-70°F year-round.
Indoors: 6-8" wide, 12" deep, 1-2 gallons; Outdoors: 10-12" wide, 12" deep, 3-5 gallons
Cumin loves sandy or loamy soil that drains well, enriched with organic compost or mushroom compost. Indoors, stick to worm castings. Keep the soil on the dry side for the best results.
Use 10-10-10 fertilizer every 6-8 weeks. Organic options: compost, worm castings. Moderate feeding supports healthy growth and enhances spice quality.
Cumin is ready for harvest 120-150 days after planting, or when the seeds turn brown.
Cumin plants tend to live for 3 to 4 months.
Harvest cumin seeds when pods turn brown. Minimal trimming is needed otherwise, but regular monitoring ensures timely seed harvest.
Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage, let soil dry. Pale Leaves: Use balanced fertilizer. Wilting: Water regularly. Slow Growth: Ensure adequate sunlight. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water or release ladybugs.
There are around 10-15 varieties of arugula gardeners commonly grow. One of the perks of growing arugula at home is the opportunity to experiment with different varieties that you won't find at the grocery store.
Do you have any questions or requests? I'm here to help!