When to Plant Caraway in Custer County, OK
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.
Custer County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 767 feet, Custer County receives approximately 31.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Caraway during the growing season.
Custer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
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 Custer County
How your county's soil matches Caraway's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.2) is within Caraway's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Custer County is excellent for Caraway — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Caraway.
How to Plant Caraway
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Custer 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 — Custer County, OK
Caraway Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Direct Sow | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
206 days in Custer County
Growing Tips for Caraway in Custer County
Direct sow Caraway outdoors after April 08 in Custer County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 206.0-day growing season in Custer 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 Custer County, OK?
Custer County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Custer County, OK?
Custer County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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