Caraway (seeds)

Caraway (Carum carvi) is a versatile herb with culinary and medicinal uses. Let’s explore how to grow and care for caraway plants:
 
Growing Zones
Caraway thrives in zones 4-10. It prefers slightly cooler temperatures.
 
Sun and Soil
Plant caraway in a sunny, open spot. In warmer zones, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. For cooler climates, start caraway indoors or in a greenhouse 4-6 weeks before the last average frost of spring. Use well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
 
Planting
Directly sow caraway seeds into your garden, covering them lightly with soil. Space seedlings or thin plants to 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. Alternatively, start seeds indoors a few weeks before transplanting them outdoors.
 
Watering and Maintenance
Water moderately during dry periods (about once a week). Add a general-purpose fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
 
Harvesting
Caraway plants grow leaves in the first year and flowers that fruit in the second year.
Harvest the leaves, flowers, and seeds when they are ready (usually in early spring and summer). Caraway seeds add a mild licorice-like flavor to dishes, similar to what you find in traditional rye bread.
 
Remember that caraway is excellent at self-seeding, so choose a spot where you don’t mind it returning year after year. Enjoy this flavorful herb in your garden!