Caraway: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
When and how do you sow caraway outdoors?
Sow caraway directly where it will grow, usually in spring or late summer according to the packet and your climate. Direct sowing suits its taproot better than late transplanting. With a biennial form, expect a leaf rosette first and usually seed production in the following season.
Choose a sunny site with freely draining soil that retains enough moisture. Remove competing weeds and prepare a fine surface without routinely digging the entire plot deeply. Moisten the ground before sowing if it is dry.
Sow thinly in shallow drills and cover the seeds lightly at the depth given on the packet. Seed coverage varies from a few millimetres to about 1 cm depending on the lot: avoid burying seeds deeply. Firm gently and water with a fine rose without moving the seeds.
Keep moisture steady during germination, which may be slow. Once several leaves have appeared, thin to around 20 to 30 cm between plants, following the variety and packet instructions. This is the spacing of the young plants you retain, not of every seed you sow. Label the date and leave the retained plants in place to avoid disturbing their roots.
When and how do you plant young caraway?
When and how do you follow caraway flowering?
Does caraway need pruning?
How is caraway harvested?
