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 P  

(Best months for growing Carrot in Australia - sub-tropical 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

13 May 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Check which variety of carrot you planted. Some do have a purple skin and some are short. Check here https://www.grow-it-organically.com/carrot-varieties.html
09 Apr 19, Rae Rakute (Australia - tropical climate)
Carrots are good to grow throughout Summer , Autumn , Spring.
31 Jan 19, Stephen Meiklejohn (Australia - temperate climate)
My carrots have hard core and it is a different colour to the outer flesh
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
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.
08 Jul 18, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thanks for this detailed information. Appreciated.
13 Feb 18, Edna (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Can I put the carrot seeds on the ground with a drip water?
14 Feb 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Over watering them may rot them. Put a light hessian cloth or shade cloth over them until they germinate and establish themselves a bit.
08 Jul 18, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Mike - glad I read this. I often wonder if I am overwatering carrots (and other things, including tomatoes-someone said you can't overwater tomatoes). This is my second attempt at carrots and yet another attempt at vegie growing. This time, I started off with seeds in trays and seed mix in the green house. (Next time I will sow less although seedlings might make a good surprise gift!) Amazing. And deeply moving to see seeds germinate. Now, some if thise things are planted out although as a result of my lack of gardening knowledge (re soil pH, feed -nitrogen,calcium etc and how much to water different plants and what to feed them or not feed them etc) I feel behind the eightball/it's pot luck. A wing and a prayer. A couple of carrots have become just visible but I am guessing that doesn't mean pick! I am about to plant out some baby carrots. Thanks. J.
21 Oct 17, Gary (Australia - temperate climate)
What fertilise would you use when growing carrots
Showing 41 - 50 of 274 comments

You are putting on too much nitrogen fertilise. This will produce a lot of leaf and no carrots. Carrots do not need a really rich soil. Put carrots and beetroot in after a leaf crop like lettuce. When the beetroot are about 200-250mm high you can give them some fertiliser - phosphate rich.

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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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