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
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 | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 9b
Growing Tips
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
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
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.