Caraway
Carum carvi
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krym, Kuril Is., Lebanon-Syria, Nepal, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Anneli Salo
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Apiaceae
- Genus:
- Carum
- Species:
- Carum carvi
- USDA Symbol:
- CACA19
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Biennial | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Depressaria cinereocostella, Sycamore Tussock Moth (Halysidota harrisii?), Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon), Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, beneficial insects
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.8 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny locations
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 14–30 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–21 days
- Notes:
- Light improves germination. Seeds remain viable for 3-4 years if stored properly.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI