When to Plant Caraway in Lafayette Parish, LA
May in the garden — Lafayette Parish, Louisiana
Each item below is timed to Lafayette Parish, Louisiana's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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.
Lafayette Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 295 days.
At an elevation of 129 feet, Lafayette Parish receives approximately 48.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 104°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.
Lafayette Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Lafayette Parish
How your county's soil matches Caraway's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.4) is more acidic than Caraway prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lafayette Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Caraway will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Caraway.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Caraway.
How to Plant Caraway
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant 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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Lafayette Parish). 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 — Lafayette Parish, LA
Caraway Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Direct Sow | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 13 |
| Fall Sowing | October 10 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
365–450 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
295 days in Lafayette Parish
Growing Tips for Caraway in Lafayette Parish
Direct sow Caraway outdoors after February 13 in Lafayette Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lafayette Parish dries quickly — mulch Caraway with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 104°F in Lafayette Parish, provide afternoon shade for Caraway and water deeply in the morning.
Your 296.0-day growing season in Lafayette Parish 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
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Caraway in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Caraway in Lafayette Parish, LA?
Lafayette Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lafayette Parish, LA?
Lafayette Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 5.
Your Lafayette Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lafayette Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.