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 P P P P

(Best months for growing Carrot in South Africa - Summer rainfall 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for South Africa | for all countries
22 Nov 23, Scelo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I grow carrots in December? I am in South Africa (Durban)
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Nov 23, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
In addition to my prior reply: don't forget to check the weather OVER the ENTIRE duration of growth. That is, the average days to harvest for carrots is 60 to 80 days. The days to harvest are calculated based on ideal growing conditions (temperatures/sunshine/water). So if your planting seeds on December 01 -- then expect germination by around Dec 15 - and then add 80 days -- which yields March 04 -- so you need to verify that you have the correct growing temperatures in Dec, Jan, Feb and March (in case you carrots take a little longer). Best of LUCK -- and remember the 60 - 80 days is for the average carrots some varieties take longer -- like my favorite - the DRAGON CARROT takes 90 days. Dragon Carrots are sweet and full of color. The nine inch roots have a bright orange interior with an amazing reddish purple skin. Full of nutrients including lycopene, Dragon Carrots are good for the body and look fantastic in the kitchen. (info for dragon carrots take from a seed retail site).
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Nov 23, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I really can't answer your question, (Can you grow carrots in December in your area) but I can give you all the growing criteria and then you can check (via prior years climate data for your area) whether your area meets the conditions for carrot growth or not. .Carrots: -- minimum germination temperature is 2c : optimum germination is 10c to 25c (the temperatures must be sustained). Seeds germinate over a 2 week period -- if crust forms on the top of the soil, germination will be restricted. Carrots like well drained, well aerated loamy soil. They are SOMEWHAT drought resistant. -- optimum growing temps : 15C to 20C , with a minimum of 5C and a maximum of 24C Outside of the growing range (less than 5c or more than 24c) the carrot goes into "dormancy/holding pattern" with extreme temps killing the carrot. Carrots like well drained soil and they like aeration... so planting in hills (or hilling) is beneficial and allows carrots to grow longer. Carrots can tolerate shade but do best in full sun. I looked up the temperatures for germination and growing on the Atlantic Canada's Advisory board publications (since I don't have all my germination and growing temps memorized). Hope this helps you decide whether or not you can grow carrots in your area in December.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Nov 23, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
August to April.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Apr 22, Dennis (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Good Day. Please advise when is the best month to plant egg plant in KZN Richards Bay.and what fertilizer and nutrients can I feed the plants. Regards Dennis
Reply or Post a new comment
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
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
Showing 1 - 10 of 21 comments
See comments for all plants

i had great success growing carrots in a regular storage container (those blue ones you get from walmart) grew a rainbow variety that wasn't expected to grow as long as some varieties like nantes :) wont know unless you try! (just dont forget to drill holes for proper drainage)

- Bernadette

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.