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 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 2 - 12 inches 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

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12 May 10, Liam (Australia - tropical climate)
Any tips on growing carrots in Townsville?? I am doing it as a school project and it would be good to have some tips. Thx
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14 May 10, Chris@Gardenate (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Liam, take a look at the top of the page. Switch to tropical zone and all the planting information will apply to Townsville.
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01 May 10, Andre (Australia - temperate climate)
Make sure the soil is firm and lay sand over or in the rows with seeds, then place a nice wet towel over the layer of sand and seed to keep the seeds moist. After about 5 days check if the seeds have germinated and if they have remove the towel and lightly water
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02 May 10, Duncan (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Andre, I tried with a wooden board to keep the soil moist but it dried out too fast as the board got hot!! Your idea sounds better - I'll give it a go.
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18 Apr 10, Jacki (Australia - tropical climate)
I am in Darwin and planted carrots in the dry season when its around 15degrees at night and morning and up to 24 or 25 degrees in the day, when i had harvested my carrots they were all tops and no roots, the thickest i got was less than a centimeter wide, i left the rest in and they didnt get any larger. Is it too hot where i live? My nana told me she had the same problem with carrots growing too.
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17 Mar 10, Lem (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
OK even though I did get a reply I will let you know what happened. The weather has cooled down and the carrots taste a lot better, I can only assume they will get better with a few frosts (if they last until then). Some of the purple carrots are yellow on the inside and some orange, they look pretty cool!
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02 Mar 10, boot (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
carrots are the best if eaten when straight out of the ground
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26 Feb 10, emma sutton (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
how to grow carrot in the garden because this year we are growing ved in the garden and how long dus it take.
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15 Feb 10, David (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Cris, a sack bag over the seed will keep the soil moist and the Carrots will come up then remove the bag I have also used dryed grass clippings they work well
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10 Feb 10, Lem (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi everyone. I have planted purple carrots in Dec. For some reason they have an awful bitter taste. Is this due to the variety or an extremely hot summer? They seem to be growing well and fast and the tops are a lush green. Could someone please help me.
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it could be cockchafers, there are a number remedies available (if you are not organic) from your local garden supply store more for your lawn though but can still be used in the garden

- matthew

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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.
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