How to Grow Caraway
Carum carvi
Caraway is a biennial herb grown mainly for its aromatic seeds, a staple in German and Dutch bread, Scandinavian aquavit, and Central European cuisine. Sow in late spring or early summer of year one; plants form a low, ferny rosette and build a strong taproot through their first season. They overwinter without protection, then bolt and flower the following summer. Harvest the seed heads when brown but before they shatter. The feathery young leaves are edible in salads (mild carrot-dill flavour), and the thick taproot can be eaten like parsnip. Completely hardy, undemanding, and virtually pest-free. Needs full sun and well-drained soil. Do not transplant mature plants as the taproot resents disturbance.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 7°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 4 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Light balanced feed in early spring of the second year as growth resumes. No feeding needed in the first year while the root establishes.
- Biennial herb, sown one year and harvested for seeds the next. Forms a low rosette of feathery leaves in year one, then sends up flower stalks in year two. The taproots are also edible (similar to parsnip). Traditional in German and Dutch rye breads, Scandinavian aquavit, and Central European cooking.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 7°C+
- Germination temperature
- 10–20°C
Pet Safety
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- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 20 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 1 cm |
| Mature height | 60 cm |
| Mature spread | 25 cm |
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 7°C |
| Germination temperature | 10–20°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Caraway?
- Plant Caraway 20cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Caraway?
- Caraway is ready to harvest approximately 370 days after transplanting.
- Is Caraway frost hardy?
- Caraway is classified as Hardy.
