Caraway

Caraway is an aromatic biennial herb known for its flavorful seeds, which are commonly used in culinary dishes and for their medicinal properties. Growing caraway provides not only a flavorful addition to your garden but also a versatile ingredient in your kitchen.

Preparing for Growing:

• Selecting a planting location: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
• Soil preparation: Prepare the soil by removing weeds and adding organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
• Purchasing or preparing containers/pots: If growing in containers, choose pots with good drainage holes.

Starting from Seeds Indoors:

• Seed preparation: Scarify caraway seeds by rubbing them lightly with sandpaper or soaking them in warm water for a few hours before planting.
• Choosing suitable pots/containers: Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.
• Sowing and caring for seeds indoors: Sow seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them down. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide ample light for germination.
• Transplanting to larger containers if necessary: Transplant seedlings to larger containers once they have developed several sets of true leaves.

Starting from Seeds Outdoors:

• Soil preparation: Prepare a seedbed with well-draining soil and remove any weeds or debris.
• Selecting appropriate timing and method for outdoor sowing: Sow caraway seeds outdoors in early spring or late summer, just below the soil surface.
• Caring for seeds outdoors: Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 2-3 weeks.

Growing in Containers/Pots:

• Selecting suitable plants for containers: Choose compact caraway varieties suitable for container growth.
• Container and soil preparation: Use containers with good drainage and fill them with well-draining potting mix.
• Sowing or transplanting plants into containers: Sow seeds or transplant seedlings into containers, ensuring they are planted at the same depth as they were in their original containers.
• Caring for container plants: Place containers in a sunny location, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Transplanting to Garden:

• Soil and planting site preparation: Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun.
• Correct timing and method for transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date, spacing them 12-18 inches apart.
• Post-transplant care: Water newly transplanted seedlings deeply and provide shade for a few days to help them acclimate to outdoor conditions.

Plant Care:

• Watering: Caraway plants have moderate water needs. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
• Weeding: Keep the area around caraway plants free of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
• Pest and disease management: Caraway is generally resistant to pests and diseases but may occasionally be affected by aphids or powdery mildew. Monitor plants regularly and treat any issues promptly.

Harvesting:

• Determining when plants are ready for harvest: Harvest caraway seeds when the seed heads turn brown and begin to dry on the plant.
• Harvesting and storage guidelines: Cut the seed heads from the plant and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated area to dry. Once dry, remove the seeds from the heads and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

When to Start from Seeds by USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:

• Start caraway seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area, or sow them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Fast Facts:

• Planting depth: Sow seeds just below the soil surface.
• Seed spacing: Sow seeds thinly and space them 6-12 inches apart.
• Plant spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
• Number of seeds per pot/container: Sow several seeds per container and thin to the strongest seedling.
• Water preferences: Caraway prefers consistently moist soil.
• Sun preferences: Full sun.
• Soil type and other important factors: Well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
• Companion Planting: Plant caraway near beans, broccoli, or lettuce to attract beneficial insects.
• Temperature Preference: Caraway prefers moderate temperatures and is tolerant of light frost.
• Days to Germination: Caraway seeds typically germinate in 14-21 days.
• Days to Harvest: Harvest caraway seeds when the seed heads turn brown and begin to dry on the plant.