Herb · Apiaceae family · with preparation per the EMA
caraway
Carum carvi
In short a 10-second read
Caraway (herb) grows to 0.3–0.6 m tall and 0.25–0.3 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. It flowers in May–June; the flowers are white or pink. Sow in September–October. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 0.25–0.3 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, loamy, sandy
Soil pH 5.5–7.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 1–2 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
May–June · white or pink
Sowing
direct sowing: September–October
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does caraway flower?
In May–June; the flowers are white or pink.
When do I sow caraway?
In September–October (direct sowing).
Does caraway tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does caraway need?
At maturity 0.25–0.3 m wide and 0.3–0.6 m tall; recommended spacing 20 cm.
Does caraway survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (11)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Carum carvi
- Wikidata (CC0) — Carum carvi
- EPPO Global Database — Carum carvi
- EMA/HMPC - Carvi fructus (herbal medicine)
- UMD Extension - Caraway
- OSU Extension - Growing Herbs
- Missouri Botanical Garden - Herbs factsheet
- RHS - Carum carvi
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
Similar plants
Have a look at these too.
Preparation and use · caraway
How to prepare it.
According to the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
part: fruit
For: mild indigestion, bloating and flatulence EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 0.5–2 g of dried fruit in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 1–3× a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 0.5–2 g of dried fruit in a cup.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Pour over 150 ml of boiling water.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
EMA/HMPC/5829/201010:00 - 4
Drink 1–3× a day.
EMA 4.2
Dosage
| Form | Single dose | How often | For whom | How long | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: fruit | 0.5–2 g of dried fruit in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 1–3× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | |
| Children under 12: not recommended EMA 4.2 | |||||
How long
If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Who should not use it
- Children under 12: not recommended EMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plant EMA 4.3
- If allergic to plants of the carrot family (Apiaceae) EMA 4.3
- If allergic to mugwort EMA 4.3
- If allergic to birch EMA 4.3
- With liver, gallbladder or bile duct disease EMA 4.4
- With achlorhydria (lack of stomach acid) EMA 4.4
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended) EMA 4.6
Cautions
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.4