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When to plant Caraway in Walker County, AL

Spring Caraway in Walker County goes in March 16–April 6, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 25 to September 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Caraway in Walker County, AL

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.

Walker County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.

At an elevation of 129 feet, Walker County receives approximately 51.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Caraway during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Caraway, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Caraway root diseases.

Walker County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
218 days
Last Spring Frost March 30
218 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Walker County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Caraway Planting Timeline — Walker County, AL

Caraway Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 23 Feb 23 – Mar 9
Transplant Outdoors March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 6
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 – Apr 6
Fall Sowing August 25 Aug 25 – Sep 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

365–450 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

218 days in Walker County

Growing Tips for Walker 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Caraway in Walker County, AL?

Walker County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Walker County, AL?

Walker County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Caraway in Walker County, AL?

In Walker County, AL, plant Caraway after the last frost (around March 30) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Walker County, AL for Caraway?

Walker County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Caraway grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Caraway grow in Walker County's climate?

Yes — Caraway grows well in Walker County's temperate climate. Walker County averages a 218-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 30 and first frost around November 3.

🌱

Your Walker County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Walker County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Walker County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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