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When to Plant Caraway in Spokane County, WA

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.

Spokane County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 1,645 feet, Spokane County receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Caraway during the growing season.

Spokane County, WA (Zone 6b) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
139 growing days
First Fall Frost September 27

Spokane County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.2

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 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0.4" 3.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.7" 3.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Caraway Planting Timeline — Spokane County, WA

Caraway Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 20
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18
Direct Sow April 27 Apr 27 – May 18
Fall Sowing July 19 Jul 19 – Aug 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors 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 6b

📆 Growing Season

139 days in Spokane County

Growing Tips for Spokane 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 Spokane County, WA?

Spokane County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Spokane County, WA?

Spokane County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 27.

🌱

Your Spokane County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Spokane County (Zone 6b). 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 Spokane County, WA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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