Growing Carrot

Daucus carota : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P P P P P          

(Best months for growing Carrot in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 5 - 30 cm apart
  • Harvest in 12-18 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Onions, Leeks, Lettuce, Sage, Peas, Radishes, Tomatoes, Beans, Celery, Rosemary
  • Avoid growing close to: Parsnips, Beetroot, Dill, Brassicas, Fennel

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
04 Dec 18, Tessa (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi there. Rotating ctops is always a good idea to prevent build-up of pests and predatory fungi/bacteria in the soil. And alfalfa, comfrey (non-invasive varieties) and parsley are great for replenishing the soil. But I suspect in this case it's to avoid any carrot fly maggots that may still be present in the soil. Whatever cover you use needs to be weighed down at the edges to prevent access by the fly for laying eggs.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Nov 18, janico (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Must you trim the leaves regularly to promote growth or do you leave as is
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Nov 18, Colin Low (Australia - temperate climate)
I have had trouble growing carrots and I think now because of the chicken & cow manure is too acid. I have limed the area where this year's crop will be tried & my question is "How long do I need to wait before planting the seed? cheers Colin
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Your main problem was probably the addition of the manures. Carrots do not need or like a rich soil (N) - it produces too much leaf. Carrots prefer a loose loam kind of soil - as in not heavy clay. A loose soil that is crumbly. If adding compost/manures do it months before planting carrots or grow something else before planting the carrots. A couple of weeks should be sufficient with the lime - mix it in well and water it and turn it over once or twice. Plant carrots thinly - can use a small salt shaker with some sand mixed with the seeds.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Oct 18, Mpumelelo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can carrots be transplanted, If yes after how long?
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Feb 21, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
It can be done with extra care. Carrots and the carrot family generally do not enjoy their roots being disturbed. It is better to sow in situ.
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Oct 18, Lulama Dimba (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Good morning Am preparing to plant carrot and my market wants the carrots by January 2019 what advise you can give me. I like to use organic fertilizer is it a good idea? Thank you Lulama
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Sep 18, Rowan (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Why are my carrot tops rotting.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Jul 18, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thanks for this detailed information. Appreciated.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Jun 18, Nicole (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have read somewhere that you can't use the soil from a previous carrot harvest again. Is this true and why?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 91 - 100 of 364 comments
See comments for all plants

My preference is to grow carrots after I have harvested my first crop of potatoes, usually in January. The reason for this is that the crop matures in around late May and can be eaten all winter. I have found that the carrots sweeten up with a touch of frost. I grow then quite close in rows 20 cm wide so that I get a strip of carrots of about 2-3 metres long. My favourite is Manchester Table, but I hear that Tip Top is the best tasting carrot - I haven't found the seed anywhere as yet. Anyhow, there's nothing like a solid plot of carrots over winter, They are the most versatile and tasty vegetable around.

- Adrian

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.