Caraway Planting Guide
Caraway is a biennial herb grown for its distinctive crescent-shaped seeds used in rye bread, sauerkraut, and European cuisine. The leaves and roots are also edible.
Carum carvi · Herb · Apiaceae family · 365–450 days to maturity
Get Your Personalized Caraway Planting Dates
Enter your ZIP code to see exact planting dates, soil compatibility, and growing tips specific to your county.
Where Can You Grow Caraway?
Caraway Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Caraway planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | — |
| Zone 3b | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | — |
| Zone 4a | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | — |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | — |
| Zone 5a | Mar 21 | Apr 11 | Apr 18 | — |
| Zone 5b | Mar 14 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — |
| Zone 6a | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | — |
| Zone 6b | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | — |
| Zone 7a | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | — |
| Zone 7b | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | — |
| Zone 8a | Feb 1 | Feb 22 | Mar 1 | — |
| Zone 8b | Jan 21 | Feb 11 | Feb 18 | — |
| Zone 9a | Jan 13 | Jan 20 | Feb 3 | — |
| Zone 9b | Dec 28 | Jan 4 | Jan 18 | — |
How to Plant Caraway
🍂 Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 9b
📅 Days to Maturity
365–450 days
Long-season crop. Start indoors in cold climates to get a head start.
👪 Plant Family
Apiaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Apiaceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Caraway to Grow
Caraway takes 365–450 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Caraway
✅ Good Companions
❌ Keep Away From
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Caraway
Direct sow in spring or fall. Caraway produces seeds in its second year. Harvest seed heads when they turn brown. The young leaves can be used like parsley.
Saving Caraway Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Caraway by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Caraway?
Caraway (Carum carvi) takes 365 to 450 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Caraway grow in?
Caraway can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 9b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Caraway need?
Growing Caraway requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.5.