Quick facts
| Arabic name | الكمون |
|---|---|
| English name | Cumin |
| Scientific name | Cuminum cyminum |
| Family | Carrot family (Apiaceae) |
| Plant type | Annual herb |
| Height | 20 to 40 cm |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
November
Harvest time
March to April
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A small thin plant with thread-like leaves and small white or pink flower clusters.
Where it grows
Grown in small areas in winter in Al-Qassim, Hail, Al-Jouf, Tabuk and Riyadh.
Soil
Needs light, well-drained soil.
Water and irrigation
Needs little water; too much moisture harms it.
Climate and light
Likes mild, dry weather.
Propagation
From seeds sown directly.
Benefits and uses
- Seeds are an important spice
- Needs little water
Drawbacks
- Weak against weeds and fungus diseases
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Cuminum cyminum
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Cuminum cyminum
- Wikipedia: Cumin
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) - Plant finder