Herb, Caraway
75 in stock
Quick Overview
HERB, Caraway –
Carum carvi
FULL SUN Native to the Middle East. Asia and Central Europe, archaeological evidence froom the Mesolithic period suggests that caraway has been cultivated and used for more than 5000 years. The early colonists brought Caraway to the US in the 1600s. The 2 ft. plants produce feathery, 6-10 in. long, green leaves. Seed stalks are not produced until the 2nd year after which the plant dies. Plant in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Rows should be 12-18 in. apart. When seedlings are 2 in. high, thin, leaving 6-8 in. between plants. Harvest seed stalks just as they are turning brown. Bundle stalks, hang upside down in a warm, airy spot and let seeds drop into a tray placed under the stalk bundles.
| Type | Spacing | Planting Depth | Days to Germination | Maturity |
| Biennial | 6-8 in. | 1/2 in. | 7-10 | 365 |
Herb, Caraway
Caraway was described in the Ebers Papyrus, a medical manuscript that dates to 1500 BC, and was noted in a German medical work of the 11th century.
All parts of the Caraway plant are edible. The leaves which are rarely consumed can be added to salads, soups and stews. Austrians use the seeds when preparing beef dishes, Germans season pork with the seeds, rural peoples in Norway and Sweden make the seeds into a black polenta-like bread and Hungarian Goulash is often made with Caraway seeds. In some cultures of the world, the root is eaten, and the oil is used to flavor liqueurs made in Germany, Russia and Scandinavia. Caraway seed can become bitter with long cooking so it should be added just as a dish is ready to be served.
Caraway seed can be planted in the fall and will produce the following year like a true biennial. It is difficult to transplant Caraway because it has a long taproot. If transplanting is necessary, cut the tip off the taproot to encourage stronger root structure.
Caraway should not be planted near fennel because the two plants discourage the growth of each other, but Caraway does very well when companion planted with peas.
