Caraway is a timeless herb cherished for its aromatic seeds, which bring warm, spicy notes to breads, soups, and salads. Beyond its culinary applications, Caraway is known for its medicinal properties, including easing indigestion and reducing bloating. This biennial plant is easy to grow and adds delicate, feathery foliage to your herb garden. A must-have for both cooking and natural remedies.
Caraway Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow caraway seeds outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall crop. Caraway is a biennial herb and tolerates light frost.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Caraway grows best in fertile, loose soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility. Caraway prefers soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 6-12 inches apart in rows.
- Thin seedlings to maintain proper spacing once they are a few inches tall.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days. Caraway requires consistent moisture during early growth.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start caraway seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use biodegradable pots or seed trays with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, placing 1-2 seeds per pot.
- Cover lightly with soil and mist gently to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 7-14 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 6-12 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Caraway
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Caraway requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells, to encourage healthy root development.
- Fertilizing: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Caraway is a light feeder and typically does not require additional fertilization during its growing season.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Be careful not to disturb caraway’s shallow roots when weeding.
- Pest and Disease Control: Caraway is generally pest- and disease-resistant. Ensure proper airflow around plants to prevent fungal issues.
- Harvesting:
- For Leaves: Harvest young leaves as needed during the first year for use as an herb.
- For Seeds: Allow flower heads to mature and dry on the plant during the second year. Harvest seeds by cutting the flower stalks and shaking the seeds into a container.
- Storage: Store fresh leaves in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to a week. Dried seeds can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
