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

08 Dec 21, Helen Chon (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Cover with board? I don’t understand how a plant grows when it’s covered with a board? I must be missing something.
14 Jun 23, Cecil D. (USA - Zone 5b climate)
Cover the planted SEEDS with a board until they germinate to maintain a moist soil. Uncovered soil dries quickly (which is why we use mulch to cover them as well). Seeds will not sprout when stressed by dry soil. You barely cover the carrot seeds with soil since they are so small. Good luck!
05 Apr 23, Rachel (USA - Zone 8b climate)
It's mostly to help with moisture. Carrot seeds cannot be allowed to dry out. They come up from under just fine.
21 Feb 23, Cindy C. (USA - Zone 8b climate)
A board such as a 1 X 3" is simply to keep rain from dislodging the tiny seed from the soil and retain moisture. I check my seed germination after a week then daily until the seedlings are about 1". Then I remove the board, thin the seedlings and cover with a floating row cover. I plant them right next onions and have no problem with flies.
29 Dec 21, Darlene (USA - Zone 9a climate)
You only cover with a board temporarily as to keep the seeds from washing away and from birds eating them. After a week or more, You are to begin checking for sprouts. Within a week to 10 days, if it’s getting hotter in your climate, you elevate the board above the sprouts by placing a rock at each end of the board length and place the board on top of the two rocks. This keeps it a bit shaded since carrots are cool weather. Then as they get larger ferns and safer to expose, you remove the board. I hope that’s helpful.
22 Feb 22, Helen Chon (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Thank you. Your explanation was clear and much appreciated.
11 Dec 21, (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Use shade cloth or hessian bags above the soil.
17 Nov 21, jusee (Australia - tropical climate)
Can I find tropical carrots varieties seeds that suitable to grow here in Malaysia?
19 Nov 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Any common carrot should. It is more about when to plant and soil type.
06 Nov 21, Colin Scott (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have had carrots with for legs and then two by thinning consistently. The last one was single at the top but had multiple small legs at the bottom. How do I stop this?
Showing 41 - 50 of 368 comments

Whats the best type of sand to mix in with our raised vege bed soil to make it softer for growing carrots ?

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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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