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When to plant Caraway in Webster County, IA

Plant Caraway in Webster County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 14. Continue planting through May 5 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Caraway in Webster County, IA

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.

Webster County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.

At an elevation of 1,065 feet, Webster County receives approximately 30.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Caraway to ensure they mature before fall.

Webster County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
161 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
161 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Webster County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Caraway Planting Timeline — Webster County, IA

Caraway Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 7
Transplant Outdoors April 21 Apr 21 – May 5
Direct Sow April 14 Apr 14 – May 5
Fall Sowing July 28 Jul 28 – Aug 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

365–450 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

161 days in Webster County

Growing Tips for Webster 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 Webster County, IA?

Webster County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Webster County, IA?

Webster County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Caraway in Webster County, IA?

In Webster County, IA, plant Caraway after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Webster County, IA for Caraway?

Webster County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Caraway grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Caraway grow in Webster County's climate?

Yes — Caraway grows well in Webster County's temperate climate. Webster County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 6.

🌱

Your Webster County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Webster County (Zone 5a). 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 Webster County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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