When to plant Caraway in Pottawattamie County County,
Plant Caraway in Pottawattamie County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 16. Continue planting through May 7 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 25 to August 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Caraway in Pottawattamie County, IA
What to do in June
A quick June briefing for Pottawattamie County, Iowa gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Indoor seed-starting week for caraway
These need a head start before your last frost (April 30). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- Fall sowing: caraway
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.
Pottawattamie County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 518 feet, Pottawattamie County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Caraway during the growing season.
Pottawattamie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Caraway 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.
Soil Compatibility in Pottawattamie County
How your county's soil matches Caraway's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.9) is within Caraway's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pottawattamie County is excellent for Caraway — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Caraway will thrive.
How to Plant Caraway
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Caraway Water Budget
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pottawattamie County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Caraway Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Caraway Planting Timeline — Pottawattamie County, IA
Caraway Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
365–450 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
156 days in Pottawattamie County
Growing Tips for Caraway in Pottawattamie County
Direct sow Caraway outdoors after April 30 in Pottawattamie County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 156.0-day growing season in Pottawattamie County is tight for Caraway (365.0-450.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Caraway in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Caraway in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Caraway in Pottawattamie County, IA?
Pottawattamie County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pottawattamie County, IA?
Pottawattamie County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 3.
When should I plant Caraway in Pottawattamie County County, ?
In Pottawattamie County County, , plant Caraway after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pottawattamie County County, for Caraway?
Pottawattamie County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Caraway grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Caraway grow in Pottawattamie County County's climate?
Yes — Caraway grows well in Pottawattamie County County's temperate climate. Pottawattamie County County averages a 156-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 3.
Your Pottawattamie County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pottawattamie County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.