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When to plant Caraway in Putnam County, FL

Plant Caraway in Putnam County from January 19 to February 9 in spring. Putnam County sits in USDA Zone 9b, with last frost around February 9 and first frost on December 2. A second sowing from October 7 to October 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Caraway in Putnam County, FL

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.

Putnam County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.

At an elevation of 278 feet, Putnam County receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Caraway may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Caraway will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Caraway root diseases.

Putnam County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
296 days
Last Spring Frost February 9
296 growing days
First Fall Frost December 2

Putnam County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

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 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Putnam County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Caraway Planting Timeline — Putnam County, FL

Caraway Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 12 Jan 12 – Jan 26
Transplant Outdoors February 2 Feb 2 – Feb 16
Direct Sow January 19 Jan 19 – Feb 9
Fall Sowing October 7 Oct 7 – Oct 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
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 9b

📆 Growing Season

296 days in Putnam County

Growing Tips for Putnam 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 Putnam County, FL?

Putnam County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Putnam County, FL?

Putnam County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 2.

When should I plant Caraway in Putnam County, FL?

In Putnam County, FL, plant Caraway after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Putnam County, FL for Caraway?

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

Can Caraway grow in Putnam County's climate?

Yes — Caraway grows well in Putnam County's temperate climate. Putnam County averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 2.

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Your Putnam County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Putnam County (Zone 9b). 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 Putnam County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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