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
  • Carrot harvest (commons.wikimedia.org - woodleywonderworks - CC BY 2.0)
  • A few seedlings
  • Very young carrot seedlings
  • Young carrot plants

A hardy root vegetable which grows well in deep cool soil.

Carrots take about 3 weeks to show themselves and the first leaves look like grass.

If broadcast sowing, mix with radish seeds which will germinate quickly and indicate the sown area. In hotter or dry areas, water well before seeding then cover with boards to maintain the moisture and cool soil for more successful germination. Check every week or so.

Over fertilised ground will produce split roots. Protect against carrot fly. It is best to put carrots in a different area of the garden each year for four or five years.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Carrot

Steamed or raw carrots are tasty. Cook them in a small amount of water until nearly dry then add a pat of butter and teaspoon of brown sugar to glaze.
They can be added to most casserole-type dishes.
Grate raw carrots and add to salads

Your comments and tips

11 Jun 17, BARBARA ADAMS TAYLOR (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Is it too late to plant carrots in zone 6a on the 11th of June? Thank you
18 Mar 18, Kdub (USA - Zone 8a climate)
What ph level should the soil be for carrots?
17 Aug 20, Fran (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Will it be too late to sow these in early September?
01 Dec 20, Reba Cummings (USA - Zone 8b climate)
If covered with agribon frost cover or pv now (Dec. 1), could I sow carrots ? We have had 2 frosts?
03 Dec 20, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I suggest you go by the planting guide for your climate zone.
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.
11 Dec 21, (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Use shade cloth or hessian bags above the soil.
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.
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.
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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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