Caraway

Widely used in cooking Caraway has been grown commercially for many years. It is not a common plant in home gardens, however you could grow it if you had the desire.

Where the plant is becoming more popular is when it is grown for the roots as well as the leaves. Most home gardeners grow it for these, rather than the seeds. It has a similar growth habit to carrots and parsnips, however not the same sized roots.

The roots are usually roasted, the leaves are eaten fresh in salads, although we do not see the attraction of either as a culinary delight.

Caraway is a biennial plant that self seeds fairly easily.

Caraway plants are not difficult to grow in a warm sunny position. Grow from seeds planted in spring and harvest the following year when seeds are set. Remember caraway will self seed, so harvest all seeds.

How to grow Caraway plants.

Best sown in early spring or early autumn, Caraway is a cool climate plant.

• Position – Full sun to part shade.
• Soil – Humus rich and most. You will need to dig the soil over well before planting the seeds.
• Plant seed at around 1 cm deep.
• Thin seedlings to around 30 cm apart.
• Water regularly until the seedlings are well established.
• Use a liquid seaweed fertiliser every 3 weeks for good results.
• Mulch with a well rotted compost once the seedlings have reach a good height and show strong growth.

Generally these are a plant that is not suited to growing in containers because of the long tap root.

Caraway Plants or Seeds are available for sale from the following participating nurseries