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When to Plant Caraway in Kent County, TX

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.

Kent County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.

At an elevation of 1,287 feet, Kent County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Caraway root diseases.

Kent County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
221 days
Last Spring Frost March 31
221 growing days
First Fall Frost November 7

Kent County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.8-8.6

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 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 9.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kent County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Caraway Planting Timeline — Kent County, TX

Caraway Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 24 Feb 24 – Mar 10
Transplant Outdoors March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 7
Direct Sow March 17 Mar 17 – Apr 7
Fall Sowing August 29 Aug 29 – Sep 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June
July
August Fall Sowing
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

221 days in Kent County

Growing Tips for Kent 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 Kent County, TX?

Kent County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kent County, TX?

Kent County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 7.

🌱

Your Kent County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kent County (Zone 8a). 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 Kent County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.