What's eating my caraway?

Caraway is an Apiaceae biennial with a modest pest profile. Aphids attack soft growth and flower heads in its second-year flowering phase. Carrot fly larvae can tunnel into the tap root. Black swallowtail caterpillars occasionally use it as a host plant. Its aromatic foliage deters many generalist pests.

Colonies on stems and umbels in the flowering year; honeydew, sooty mould, and reduced seed set Encourage natural predators; knock off with water; insecticidal soap if colonies overwhelm umbels before seed ripens

Larvae tunnel into caraway's fleshy tap root, causing reddish cavities, wilting, and stunted second-year growth Fine mesh barrier from sowing through establishment; rotate beds; avoid sowing near carrots, parsley, or parsnips

Striped caterpillars can strip foliage and flower heads; usually a minor issue in home gardens Hand-pick and relocate; apply Bt if defoliation is severe; planting extra caraway tolerates some caterpillar sharing