Caraway in Zone 3a & 3b
Carum carvi
Yes, caraway grows in zones 3a and 3b. Plant it outside May 9–May 16.
When to plant caraway in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 9–May 16 |
| Estimated harvest | About a year after planting |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-3 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 3b
These go outside within two weeks of caraway in zone 3b, so one planting day can cover them.
- DillMay 23–May 30
- ChervilMay 16–May 23
- ChivesMay 16–May 23
- HorehoundMay 16–May 23
- ParsleyMay 16–May 23
- TansyMay 16–May 23
Caraway is grown for its seed, the familiar flavor in rye bread and sauerkraut, and that changes the whole shape of the crop compared to a leafy annual herb. It's a true biennial: plant it this year, and it won't set the seed you're after until next summer.
How caraway fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Caraway takes about a year from planting to first harvest, so it spans more than one growing season.
Caraway planting windows in every zone
Zone 3b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b (your zone) | Not usually | May 9–May 16 | About a year after planting |
| 4a & 4b | Not usually | Apr 24–May 1 | About a year after planting |
| 5a & 5b | Not usually | Apr 19–Apr 26 | About a year after planting |
| 6a & 6b | Not usually | Apr 4–Apr 11 | About a year after planting |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Mar 20–Mar 27 | About a year after planting |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Mar 4–Mar 11 | About a year after planting |
Good companions
No well-established companions for caraway.
Where to buy caraway seeds
True Leaf Market (each supplier's caraway seeds)
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing caraway" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Caraway in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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