Caraway in Zone 5a & 5b
Carum carvi
When to plant caraway in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Caraway doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 19–Apr 26 |
| Estimated harvest | Apr 18 '28–Apr 25 '28 (~365 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-3 ft.
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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Caraway needs about 365 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Caraway.
Where to buy 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 5b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Caraway in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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