Caraway - Carum carvi
300 Seeds
Sow May or August.
Hardy bienniel. From the family Apiaceae
Height 20-60cm (8-24in), spread 30cm (12in).
Prefers a light, dry, well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Sow in autumn and propagate at 15-18o C. Cover the seed and keep moist. Germination should take about two weeks. Autumn sowing is essential as seeds may not have time to ripen if spring sowings are made.
The plant has hollow, furrowed, branching stems and a long tapering taproot. The small white or yellow flowers appear in midsummer. The finely cut leaves are feathery and about 6-10 inches long. The dark brown seed is oblong and narrow with two seeds in each capsule, which explodes when ripe.
Do not plant near Fennel as they can hinder each other.
Caraway
Caraway is indigenous to all parts of Europe and may be native to parts of Asia, India and North Africa. The ancient Egyptians and early Greeks and Romans recognized its properties and it has been found in Egyptian tombs and at the ancient caravan stops along the Silk Road trade route. Popular in the middle ages and in Shakespeare's 'Henry IV'. Caraway comes from the Arabic word for seed 'karawya', it is said to ward off witches and prevent lovers from straying. In Victorian England it was associated with 'seed cake' and also used to make sweet toppings for Bath buns.