Are you growing cumin in Rhode Island, but don’t know when the best time to harvest them is?
Harvesting cumin is not as easy as it seems.
Here’s why:
- Cumin have a very short window when they can be harvested and still taste great.
So if you harvest them too early they may not be ready and taste bad. And if you harvest them too late they may become infected with mold, fungus, insects, etc., and become inedible.
Today, I’m going to teach you the ideal time to harvest cumin in Rhode Island:
- To Learn More About HOW to Grow Cumin, Check Out This GUIDE!
When Do I Harvest Cumin in Rhode Island?
As you may have already guessed, there are two main factors that determine when you should harvest your cumin: the physical features of the cumin & weather (time).
Harvest Cumin if They Look Like This!!!
The physical features of cumin are what most gardeners commonly rely on to determine if they are ready to be picked off the plant or not.
In general, you should harvest cumin if they have the following physical features:
- The entire cumin is a solid red color. If the cumin is a lighter shade of red, it is not ready to be harvested
- The cumin is slightly soft. Too hard means it is not ready. Too soft means it is overripe (but still edible)
- Easily able to be deattached from the the plant. This means it has absorbed all the nutrients it needs and is ready.
Harvest Your Cumin During THIS Time of Year!!!
In general, you should harvest cumin:
- 65 to 85 days after starting cumin from seed
- 40 to 50 days after planting cumin in your garden
- 20 to 30 days after cumin first appear
And no matter what, you should ALWAYS harvest your cumin before the first frost of the year. Frost will immediately kill your cumin plant and make your cumin inedible.
For your reference, I have created this table for average frost dates for most major cities in Rhode Island. If your city is not listed below you can find its Last & First Frost Dates HERE.
Rhode Island Last & First Frost Dates
It should be noted that you should not overly rely on the first frost of the year. The average first frost of the year is only correct 30% of the time.
Instead, pay close attention to your local weather.
When you know a frost is coming you need to take action.
- If cumin are in pots, bring them inside
- If cumin are in the ground, cover them in burlap and hope they survive
- Pick all cumin. If they are not ready, place them in a brown paper bag and store them for approximately 1 to 2 weeks to see if they become edible.
If you want to learn WHEN to harvest ANY Vegetable in Rhode Island, head over to HERE and just type in the vegetable you want to grow.
