COMMON NAMES: CUMIN LOCATION: Full sun PLANTING: Plant seed or
transplants in the spring. Seed can be started in the winter
indoors and set out after the last frost. HEIGHT: 12 inches
SPREAD: 6 to 8 inches FINAL SPACING: 4 to 6 inches BLOOM/FRUIT:
Small heads of tiny pink or white flowers followed by small tan
aromatic seed with tiny bristles. GROWTH HABITS/CULTURE: Short
growing annual that’s easy to grow from seed. Grass-like leaves,
but often look droopy. Likes hot, dry summers for the best
seeds. Grows best in well-prepared and well- drained soils. Use
lots of compost and volcanic sand. PROBLEMS: Rain can ruin the
seed harvest. Plants usually need protection for winds.
HARVEST/STORAGE: Harvest seed as they mature and store in a dry
place in glass. CULINARY USES: Cumin is primarily grown for its
seed. Use to season chili, meats, breads and vegetable dishes.
Mexican cuisine herb. Stems are used to flavor Vietnamese and
Cajun dishes. MEDICINAL USES: According to Lesley Bremness in
her book Herbs, the oil is