When to Plant Caraway in Macoupin County, IL
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.
Macoupin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 859 feet, Macoupin County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Caraway during the growing season.
Macoupin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Macoupin County
How your county's soil matches Caraway's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.2) is within Caraway's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Macoupin County is excellent for Caraway — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Caraway will thrive.
How to Plant Caraway
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Caraway
Caraway needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Caraway Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Macoupin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Caraway Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Caraway Planting Timeline — Macoupin County, IL
Caraway Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
365–450 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Macoupin County
Growing Tips for Caraway in Macoupin County
Direct sow Caraway outdoors after April 11 in Macoupin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 193.0-day growing season in Macoupin County is tight for Caraway (365.0-450.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Caraway in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General 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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Caraway in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Caraway in Macoupin County, IL?
Macoupin County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Macoupin County, IL?
Macoupin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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