Description
Caraway Seeds 3015. Heirloom Herb.
Approx. 350 seeds/pkt (400 seeds/gram)
Caraway is a classic heirloom herb prized for its aromatic seeds and tender, fresh foliage. The seeds, harvested in the plant’s second year, are an essential ingredient for flavouring rye breads, pastries, cakes, and confections, as well as savoury cheeses, sauces, and soups. Beyond the seeds, the fresh, feathery leaves can be used as a delicate garnish for vegetable dishes. Growing to a height of 45–60 cm, Caraway is a biennial plant that is hardy in Zones 5 to 8, though it is often grown as an annual in shorter-season areas.
Note: The seeds provided in this packet are for planting purposes only and should not be consumed.
Quick Seed Details
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Type: Heirloom Biennial Herb
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Height: 45–60 cm
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Hardiness: Zones 5 to 8 (Biennial); Annual in lower zones
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Uses: Culinary seeds and fresh leaf garnish
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Features: Self-sows readily in mild climates; essential for traditional baking.
What you need to know to Plant & Grow
Caraway has a unique life cycle, typically producing foliage in the first year and seeds in the second.
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Sowing Outdoors (Zones 5–8): Direct sow in a sunny area in early September or mid-spring. Autumn-sown seeds will overwinter and produce a robust crop the following year.
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Sowing Outdoors (Lower Zones): Direct sow in mid-spring to grow as an annual.
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Planting Depth & Spacing: Sow seeds 3 mm deep and 2.5 cm apart. Once established, thin the seedlings to 15 cm apart.
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Germination: Typically occurs in 1 to 2 weeks.
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Harvesting Seeds: For biennial crops, the fruit loaded with seed ripens the following August. When the fruit turns brown, harvest the entire plant and dry it in the sun.
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Processing: Ensure the harvested plants are protected from moisture. Once fully dry, the caraway seeds are separated by beating the dried flower heads over a cloth or container.
Why Caraway Seeds belong in Your Herb Garden
Growing your own Caraway allows you to experience a depth of flavour and aroma that store-bought seeds simply cannot match. It is a rewarding plant for the patient gardener, offering beautiful, lace-like foliage in its first season followed by a bountiful harvest of gourmet seeds. In milder climates, its ability to self-sow means you can enjoy a persistent, “evergreen” stand of this ancient herb with very little effort.
