Stinking Caraway Plant Care
Carum foetidum (Coss. & Durieu) Maire
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's deeply lobed, fern-like leaves are its most striking visual feature. Originating from the Mediterranean region, Carum foetidum is coveted by plant collectors for its unique aroma and culinary uses. Gardeners enjoy adding this aromatic herb to their collection for its bold flavor and attractive foliage.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Stinking Caraway?
Water Stinking Caraway every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 3 months during the growing season.
What Is the Stinking Caraway?
Stinking Caraway (Carum foetidum) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Carum genus. Stinking Caraway is native to Algeria and Spain. Stinking Caraway is also known as Wild Caraway.
Stinking Caraway displays an upright, herbaceous growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Stinking Caraway produces small clusters of white or pink umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Stinking Caraway?
Carum foetidum requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Stinking Caraway Need?
Stinking Caraway thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Stinking Caraway Prefer?
Carum foetidum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Stinking Caraway prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Stinking Caraway?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Stinking Caraway to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Stinking Caraway?
Feed Stinking Caraway every 3 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 3 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Stinking Caraway?
Repot annually in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Stinking Caraway?
Stinking Caraway can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to caraway plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Stinking Caraway Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Stinking Caraway, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Stinking Caraway?
Stinking Caraway is susceptible to aphids, carrot rust fly, celery leaf miner. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Stinking Caraway Need?
Stinking Caraway grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Stinking Caraway is native to Algeria and Spain. In cooler regions, grow Stinking Caraway as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Stinking Caraway is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Carum genus — compare its care with other Carum species on PlantoScan.
Carum is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Stinking Caraway thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Carum foetidum (Coss. & Durieu) Maire, family Apiaceae (first published in Jahandiez & Maire, Cat. Pl. Maroc ii. 539 (1932).) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Stinking Caraway, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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