Cumin

Germination

Sow indoors or under glass Feb-May. Sow onto moist well-drained seed compost and just cover with a fine layer of soil. Ideal temp. 10-15°C. Germination takes 7-14 days. Transplant once large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out once danger of frost has passed with 20cm spacing. Can be grown on a windowsill year round.

Growing

Prefers a well-drained, fertile sandy or loamy soil in full sun. Water deeply and regularly but allow the soil to dry between waterings.

Cultivation

Seed pods will form, turn brown and dry. As pods dry they will open and drop their seeds. The pods will not dry at the same time, but harvest the whole plant as the first pods dry. Hang the whole plant upside-down in a dry place. When dry tie the plants together and place in a plastic bag. Beat the bag to open the pods releasing the seeds. Remove the chafe and store seeds in an airtight container.