Discover the Versatile Caraway Herb

Caraway is a biennial herb with a rich history spanning centuries of culinary and medicinal use. Known for its distinctive warm, slightly sweet flavor and aromatic seeds, caraway has earned a place in kitchens and gardens around the world. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing caraway is a rewarding experience.

Understanding Caraway

Caraway produces feathery, fern-like foliage in its first year and delicate white or pink flowers in its second year. The plant typically reaches 12 to 24 inches in height, making it a nice addition to herb gardens and vegetable beds. The seeds, which develop after flowering, are the most prized part of the plant for culinary purposes.

Growing Caraway from Seed

Caraway prefers full sun and well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Sow seeds directly in the garden in fall or early spring, as caraway has a long taproot that doesn't transplant well. Plant seeds about a quarter-inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once they've sprouted.

Care Through the Growing Season

Once established, caraway is relatively low-maintenance. Water moderately during dry spells, but avoid overwatering as the plant prefers drier conditions. Caraway doesn't require heavy fertilization—in fact, overly rich soil can reduce seed production. The plant will flower in its second year, and seeds will be ready to harvest in late summer.

Harvesting and Using Caraway Seeds

Harvest seed heads when they turn brown but before they drop naturally. Cut the entire head and place it in a paper bag to dry completely. Once dry, rub the heads to release the seeds. Caraway seeds are perfect for breads, cheeses, pickles, and traditional European dishes. They also have a long history of use in herbal teas and digestive remedies.

Why Grow Caraway at Home

Growing your own caraway ensures a fresh supply of seeds whenever you need them. The plant attracts beneficial insects to your garden and requires minimal pest management. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting and using herbs you've grown yourself.

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Overall, Caraway is an ancient aromatic herb, famous for being the spice in rye bread and German sauerkraut. A biennial in the carrot family that grows 1'-3' tall, with feathery foliage and tiny white flowers. The seeds, which have an earthy-citrusy-peppery flavor, are the most used, but the flowers, leaves, stems, and root (which looks like a small parsnip, and can be used like any other root vegetable) are also edible. While you’re waiting for the flowers, seeds, and roots to develop in the second year, spend the first year using the leaves, which have a parsley-dill flavor, in salads, soups, and sautés.

• Parsley-dill flavor
• All parts are edible
• Culinary and medicinal uses
• Good for containers

As a companion plant, it attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, and repels aphids, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot root fly, and caterpillars.

As a medicinal herb, Caraway has been used internally to treat asthma, bad breath, bloating, colds, colic, cough, flatulence, heartburn, indigestion, insomnia, lack of appetite, nausea, sore throat, and stomach cramps, and externally to treat arthritis, bruises, burns, skin irritation, toothache, and wounds.

⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Carum carvi
• Life cycle: Herbaceous biennial
• Hardiness zones: 4-9
• Planting season: Spring, fall
• Days to maturity: 70 days-2 years; can begin harvesting when 6" tall
• Depth to plant seeds: 1/4" deep
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 65F-75F
• Spacing between plants: 8"-12" apart
• Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 2 plants per sq. ft.
• Soil types: Sandy, loamy, chalky, poor, rich, moist, well-drained
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
• Sun needs: Full sun, part shade
• Water needs: Average
• Cold stratify: No
• Frost tolerant: Yes
• Heat tolerant: No
• Drought tolerant: Yes
• Deer resistant: Yes
• Culinary use: Yes
• Medicinal use: Yes 

Good Companion Plants: Bean, Beet, Blueberry, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chard, Collards, Fava Bean, Kale, Mustard, Onion, Pea, Radish, Soybean, Strawberry, Tomato

What is Caraway?

Caraway is a biennial. This means it takes two years for the plant to mature, produce seeds, then die. During the winter you may not see any evidence of the plant even though the roots are preparing for spring. So mark your spot carefully so you don’t accidentally dig them up in the spring.

An interesting legend that goes along with Caraway is that it had the power to prevent the theft of objects that had seeds nearby and it also kept lovers from losing interest in one another.  Still, some believe Caraway has beneficial healing powers and you can use the oil, fruit and seeds as medicine.

Health Benefits of Caraway

Women can use Caraway oil to relieve menstral cramps. Feeling bloated or have a bit of indigestion? Chewing on a few Caraway seeds can help relieve your symptoms!

Ways to Consume Caraway

If you want to consume the leaves, pick them when they are young and tender. The roots are also edible when the plant is young.  Use Caraway seeds in baked goods, such as breads, and buns.  Add them to vegetable and fruit dishes, especially curries.  Use leaves and seeds alike to make hot and cold teas.

Caraway seeds have a sharp, pungent, slightly licorice taste that’s is delicious with green beans, potatoes, cabbage, onions, brussels sprouts, tomatoes, and apples. Try mixing it with cucumber and sour cream. It’s delicious with sausage and beef.

See Caraway Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board