When to Plant Caraway in Lane 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.
Lane County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 48 feet, Lane County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Caraway to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Caraway root diseases.
Lane County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.4
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.
Plant Water Budget
Caraway Planting Timeline — Lane County, OR
Caraway Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
365–450 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
187 days
Growing Tips for Lane 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
Level Up Your Garden
Caraway in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Caraway in Lane County, OR?
Lane County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lane County, OR?
Lane County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lane County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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