Carum carvi

Caraway is an edible herbaceous biennial in the carrot family (Apiaceae) native to western Asia, Europe, and North Africa.  It is a versatile plant that grows across a wide swath of USDA climate zones and, in nature, is often found in moist meadows, arable land and waste places at sea level and higher elevations. 

Carawy will grow 1 to 2 feet tall and spread 1 foot wide and prefers full sun to light shade in moist well-drained garden soil. It tolerates a pH in the range 4.8 to 7.6. Plants growing in full sun are richer in essential oils and, therefore more aromatic. Established Caraway plants have deep roots and do not tolerate root disturbance, but often self-sow freely when in a suitable location. It is a good plant for breaking up the sub-soil on heavy, wet land. It does not do well growing near fennel or wormwood, but is a good companion for most plants, especially those that are shallow-rooted.

Compound leaves are often used in salads, teas, stews, and soups. Caraway seeds are used for flavoring multiple foods and the first-year root is edible and can be cooked.  The fragrant white flowers occur in clusters in late spring to early summer and attract pollinators and parasitic wasps to the garden, which prey on aphids.

Use this plant in the edible and pollinator gardens.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:  Watch for carrot root fly, aphids, and parsley worms.  Anthracnose and white mold are possible diseases.