When to Plant Caraway in USDA Zone 3b
Your June gardening checklist
Welcome to June in Zone 3b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Start caraway indoors
You're about 14 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
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Start your fall crops: caraway
Keep young seedlings shaded and moist in summer heat. A row of taller crops works as natural shade.
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.
In Zone 3b, the average last spring frost is around May 10 and the first fall frost is around September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
Caraway Planting Timeline — Zone 3b
Where Is USDA Zone 3b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 3b. Click any state to see the Caraway planting schedule for that location.
Caraway Planting Calendar — Zone 3b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 3b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 3b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
365–450 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
-35°F to -30°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
135 days (Zone 3b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Caraway in Zone 3b
Zone 3b has a short growing season (~135 days). Start Caraway indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
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Saving Caraway Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
Related Plants
Caraway in Other Zones
Caraway by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Caraway in Zone 3b?
In Zone 3b, plan your Caraway planting around the average last frost date of May 10. Start seeds indoors around March 29. Direct sow outdoors around May 3. Transplant seedlings around May 3.
Can Caraway grow in Zone 3b?
Yes, Caraway can grow well in Zone 3b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 9b. Zone 3b has a growing season of approximately 135 days, which is sufficient for Caraway (365-450 days to maturity).
What is the last frost date for Zone 3b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 3b is around May 10, and the first fall frost is around September 22. This gives a growing season of approximately 135 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Caraway?
Good companion plants for Caraway include Peas, Lettuce. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Zone 3b Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner tailored to Zone 3b. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.