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When to Plant Caraway in Jackson County, OR

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.

Jackson County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.

At an elevation of 422 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Caraway during the growing season.

Jackson County, OR (Zone 8a) Moderate season
156 days
Last Spring Frost May 7
156 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Start indoors: Mar 22 Transplant: Apr 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Start indoors: Apr 2 Transplant: Apr 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Start indoors: Apr 28 Transplant: May 26

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.2″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 85 gal / 100 sq ft
Caraway needs ~6,520 GDD — county provides 2,496 GDD May not mature

Caraway Planting Timeline โ€” Jackson County, OR

Caraway Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 16
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ May 14
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 14
Fall Sowing August 1 Aug 1 โ€“ Aug 15

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July โ€”
August Fall Sowing
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

365โ€“450 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

156 days

Growing Tips for Jackson County

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

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Caraway in Jackson County, OR?

Jackson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, OR?

Jackson County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Jackson County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jackson County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.