When to Plant Caraway in Gloucester County, NJ
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.
Gloucester County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 735 feet, Gloucester County receives approximately 49.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Caraway during the growing season.
Gloucester County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.8
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Gloucester County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Caraway Planting Timeline — Gloucester County, NJ
Caraway Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 12 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
221 days in Gloucester County
Growing Tips for Gloucester 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
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Caraway in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Caraway in Gloucester County, NJ?
Gloucester County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gloucester County, NJ?
Gloucester County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Gloucester County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gloucester County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.