Caraway Growing Guide - Seeds In A Cup®

History of Caraway

Caraway (Carum carvi) has been used since ancient times in Europe and Asia, with seeds found in Swiss lake dwellings from 3000 BCE. The Romans employed it as a spice, and by the Middle Ages, it flavored breads and stews across Europe, especially in German and Scandinavian cuisines.

Growing Caraway from Seed

Materials Needed: Caraway seeds, potting mix, 4-inch pots, watering can.
Germination Info: 10-14 days at 65-75°F (18-24°C), no stratification, 75% success rate.

Harvest Seeds: Use fresh caraway seeds.
Prepare: Fill pots with moist potting mix.
Plant Seeds: Sow ¼ inch deep, 2-3 seeds per pot.
Provide Conditions: Keep warm (65-75°F), moist, in full sun.
Monitor Growth: Sprouts in 10-14 days; thin to one at 2 inches.
Transplant: Move to garden after 6-8 weeks, spacing 12 inches apart.

Suggestions: Direct sow in fall for second-year seed harvest; caraway is biennial.

Container Gardening Tips

Caraway can grow in containers for its first year.

Container Size: 8-10 inch pots with drainage.
Soil Mix: Well-drained mix with compost (2:1).
Location: Full sun (6-8 hours).
Watering: Every 3-4 days, keep moist.
Pruning: Minimal; harvest seeds in year 2.

In-Ground Gardening

Space Needed: 12-18 inches apart, rows 2 ft apart.
Soil Types: Well-drained loam; test with jar method.
Watering: 1 inch weekly.
Sun Requirements: Full sun (6-8 hours).

Plant Profile Chart

Common Name	Botanical Name	Family	Plant Type	Size	Sun Exposure	Soil Type	Soil pH	Bloom Time	Hardiness Zone	Native Area	Toxicity
Caraway	Carum carvi	Apiaceae	Biennial Herb	1-2 ft tall	Full Sun	Loamy	6.0-7.0	Summer (Year 2)	3-9	Europe/Asia	Non-Toxic

Diseases and Pests

Diseases: - Root Rot (Phytophthora spp.): From overwatering.
Pests: - Aphids: Sap-sucking pests.
Prevention: Ensure drainage, space plants.
Remedies: Remove rotted roots, use insecticidal soap.