In brief
Most Indian spices are harvested between winter and spring. Cumin, coriander and mustard seed are winter crops harvested from about February to April; turmeric is lifted from about January to April; black pepper is picked from about December to March; and cardamom is picked in rounds from about August to February. Timing shifts with the weather each year.
The harvest calendar at a glance
| Spice | Main harvest (approximate) | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Cumin | February to April | Rajasthan and Gujarat |
| Coriander | February to April | Rajasthan (Hadoti, around Kota) |
| Mustard seed | February to March | Rajasthan (Bharatpur, Alwar, Sri Ganganagar) |
| Turmeric | January to April | Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana |
| Black pepper | December to March | Kerala (Malabar coast, Idukki, Wayanad) |
| Cardamom | August to February, picked in rounds | Idukki, Kerala |
Dates are typical windows and move with the monsoon and winter weather. We confirm availability and lead time with your quotation.
What new-crop timing means for buyers
Spices are dried and stored, so most are available all year. But new-crop arrivals in the markets bring the freshest material and the widest choice of grades, and prices often move as the size of the new crop becomes clear. Planning your main orders around the harvest helps you secure the grade you want.
Planning your orders
- Agree your specification and approve a sample before the new crop arrives
- Ask for new-crop material if freshness and colour matter for your product
- Allow time for sourcing, lab testing and packing: we don’t hold ready stock
- Consider mixed containers to buy several spices at their best time
Questions buyers ask
Can I buy Indian spices outside harvest season?
Yes. Dried spices are stored and traded all year; new crop simply brings the freshest material and the widest choice.
How long does an order take?
We don’t hold ready stock: each order is sourced, tested and packed to your requirement. We give you a lead time with your quotation.
Does the monsoon affect spice prices?
Weather affects the size and quality of each crop, so prices can move from season to season.