When to Plant Caraway in Beltrami County, MN
What to do in May
Welcome to May in Zone 3b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Plant out caraway
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Seed caraway outdoors
Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination — a gentle morning watering for 5–7 days does the job.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: 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.
Beltrami County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 1,023 feet, Beltrami County receives approximately 39.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Caraway to ensure they mature before fall.
Beltrami County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 Beltrami County
How your county's soil matches Caraway's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Caraway's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Beltrami County is excellent for Caraway — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Caraway will thrive.
How to Plant Caraway
Fall planting: Sow 12 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Beltrami 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 — Beltrami County, MN
Caraway Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
365–450 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Beltrami County
Growing Tips for Caraway in Beltrami County
Direct sow Caraway outdoors after May 16 in Beltrami County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 135.0-day growing season in Beltrami 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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Caraway in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Caraway in Beltrami County, MN?
Beltrami County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Beltrami County, MN?
Beltrami County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is September 28.
Your Beltrami County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Beltrami County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.