If you ’re not growing caraway , you ’re pretermit out on a versatile and tasty goody . I had no idea how utilitarian this plant is until I planted it in my garden . Caraway is a hardy herbaceous plant related to Daucus carota sativa and fennel , and feature little livid flower heads that seed around mid - summer .
Caraway has a farseeing descent . It was come up in Egyptian tombs as an offering to the gods , and the Elizabethans considered it a passion potion .
Caraway seed are technically the fruit of the plant , but we call them seed because that ’s what they front like . They sum a mild Glycyrrhiza glabra - like flavor with hints of citrus and pepper to dishes . If you ’ve ever had traditional Secale cereale bread , you ’re in all probability familiar with the sense of taste . you may also deplete the leaves when they are young , and you may eat up the root after the plant has plump to seed .
As a incentive , there ’s some grounds that caraway seeds can relieve upset stomach , stomach cramp , bloating and turgidness .
Caraway Varieties
Caraway comes in one-year and two-year varieties . Some people consider the annual variety show is inferior to biennial types , but the confident is that you do n’t have to hold back for the second class to glean the seeds .
As a biyearly , most Carum carvi plants turn leaves in the first year , and flowers that fruit in the second class . Once the plant sets seeds , it dies off .
The plants can vary look on whether they have stemma from Dutch , English , German , Egyptian or African varieties .
You ’ll typically see generic Carum carvi seeded player in the nursing home store or nursery , but it ’s worth search out the key out cultivar , which are ranking . The most coarse of the diversity is Arterner . This smorgasbord has a higher fossil oil absorption than other types , so it has a full tang . It also has high-pitched yields so you’re able to get more from each flora .
How to Grow Caraway
Zones
Caraway grows well inzones4 - 10 . Carum carvi prefers somewhat cooler temporary . you may plant Carum carvi as an annual in temperate climates with a recollective growing time of year .
Sun and Soil Requirements
Plant Carum carvi in a gay , unresolved billet . In tender zones , give the plant some tint in the heat energy of the day . If you live in a cooler mood , full Lord’s Day encourages in force increment .
Caraway opt a pH of 6.0 - 7.0 . works in well - drained , loamy territory .
When to Plant Caraway
found Carum carvi in the saltation or fall in quick mood . If you ’re constitute in the spring , put the cum in the earth as soon as you’re able to work the soil .
implant Carum carvi in wintertime if you have a long growing season and temperate climate .
outset seeds indoors a few workweek before you plan to move them into the garden to get a proficient head start , but remember to transplant before the root gets too big . Caraway does n’t transfer well if the rootage is well developed .
Where to Plant Caraway
Carum carvi is excellent at self - seeding , so imbed it somewhere that you do n’t mind it returning .
I normally plant Carum carvi in an opened , sunny position in the centre of my garden . you may plant in a container , but as caraway has a taproot , the flock needs to be deep . I prefer a tall terracotta pot with fertile potting soil . you’re able to also plant caraway indoors . Just make certain it ’s in direct sunlight .
Germinating Seeds
Plant the seeds about 1/2 inch deep in rows about 12 inches apart . Ensure the filth is well fed before planting and water system well until sprouting . Do n’t allow the grime to dry out . Once the plants have bourgeon , it ’s okay to allow the stain dry for a short period of time .
Caring for Caraway
wait caraway to be minor in the first twelvemonth . It may be only 8 - 12 in tall as it develops its taproot . In the second year , it will treble in size and initiate to prime .
Fertilizer
Fertilize the filth with well - rotted manure before planting the seeds . Once the industrial plant pullulate and begin to raise , feed with a beneficial caliber smooth fertilizer once or double in the growing season .
Watering
pee well specially in the first class when caraway is developing its taproot . During ironical periods , give plant a beneficial soaking once a week . check that you irrigate the soil around the foundation of the works and not on the foliage .
Mulching
Protect the plant with mulch during the warmer month and water well . Mulch helps hold moisture in warm clime .
Common Problems and Solutions for Growing Caraway
Caraway is n’t plague by too many pests , but there are a few good practices you’re able to use to keep your plants in unspoiled shape . Rotate your crop , and keep plants well fed and watered .
Carrot Rust Fly
Since caraway is related to the carrot , watch out out for this pest . The adult is relatively harmless , but the larvae dig into the root . Left unchecked , they can destroy a whole crop .
you may secern if you have cultivated carrot rust larvae because the industrial plant is stunted and may droop and perish . Dig gently around the basis of the plant and uncover the root to see if there are larvae . I ’ve found the best way to control them is to soak the soil around the plant with constituent pyrethrum .
Parsley Caterpillars
These Caterpillar stand out because they are quite striking : they ’re green with yellow and black band across their back . The good news is they ’re easy discern . The uncollectible news is they like to eat the leaf of your grow Carum carvi plants .
It ’s dim-witted to assure them by removing them when you see them . If your plague gets bad , you’re able to use an organicinsecticide .
Leaf Hoppers
Leafhoppers eat the sap out of the leave causing a lot of damage . transfer the damaged leaves as soon as potential to avoid spreading disease . Use insecticidal soap to control these bugs .
Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers attack many plants , including Carum carvi . I usehomemade pepper - based spraysand also let the chickens into my garden to pig the bug . you may also try on vinegar and garlic sprays .
Companion Plants for Caraway
Carum carvi bet well with the following plants :
Avoid growing Carum carvi near fennel or dill .
How to Harvest and use Caraway
Leaves
Gather the leaves when they ’re young . you may eat them in salads or fix like chard . I ’ve also added the leave to soups or on top of bollock .
Seeds
I begin grow caraway for the come because they ’re so healthy for you and they try out incredible ! blame the ejaculate heads in late summertime or when they ’re brown .
give ear the seed heads upside down in a warm , dry space over a container to collect them as they fall . secure they ’re dry before storing in a glass container in your buttery .
I habituate the seeds for :
Roots
Dig up the roots in the second fall and knock or use as any other etymon vegetable .
Medicinal Uses
There is evidence that caraway can facilitate out your digestive organisation . you may make a teatime or manducate the seeds to :
Have any brilliant Carum carvi uses that we have n’t covered here ? Be certain to share them with us – we can never get enough uses for caraway .
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